The ability to voluntarily move the external ear involves subtle movements of the ear’s outer structure, known as the auricle or pinna. This capacity offers insights into human anatomy and our evolutionary past.
How Common is Ear Wiggling?
Approximately 10 to 20 percent of the population can voluntarily move their ears.
Many individuals might not realize they possess this skill because the neural pathways controlling these muscles are not under conscious control for most people. Some studies indicate that while few individuals initially have voluntary control, others can develop it through training. This suggests the underlying biological machinery is often present, even if not immediately accessible to conscious command.
The Muscles and Their Evolutionary Role
Ear movement relies on a group of small muscles known as the auricular muscles. These include the anterior auricular muscle, which pulls the ear forward; the superior auricular muscle, responsible for elevating the ear; and the posterior auricular muscle, which draws the ear backward. These muscles are innervated by the facial nerve, also known as cranial nerve VII.
In many animals, these muscles are well-developed and allow for flexible ear rotation to pinpoint sound sources. However, in humans, the auricular muscles are largely considered vestigial, meaning they are remnants of structures more developed in our evolutionary ancestors. Humans evolved to rely less on ear movement for survival and more on turning their heads. Despite their reduced function, these muscles can still show involuntary activity when humans are straining to hear in noisy environments. These movements are minuscule and do not offer a noticeable benefit to human hearing.
Learning the Skill
For individuals who cannot currently wiggle their ears, acquiring this ability is often possible, though it requires persistent effort. The necessary muscles and nerves are generally present in most people, even if the neural connection for voluntary control is not strong. Some individuals have successfully taught themselves to move their ears through dedicated practice.
The main challenge lies in gaining conscious control over these muscles, which are not typically used in daily activities. Techniques often involve focusing on surrounding scalp muscles and practicing in front of a mirror to observe subtle movements. Visual feedback can also aid in training these muscles. Developing ear movement can be challenging due to the vestigial nature of these muscles, but some individuals can develop or improve this skill with consistent practice.