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Myth: Ears are not always growing
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Myth: Ears are not always growing

ZAP Notícias13 September 2026 at 14:45

There is a widespread myth that ears are always growing throughout life, like hair and nails. This idea is frequently repeated and accepted as truth by many people.

However, science shows that this claim is not exactly true. Ears do not literally continue to grow as happens with hair and nails.

In reality, what happens with aging is that the cartilage in the ear undergoes changes and loses elasticity. The skin and tissues become looser, and gravity contributes to the ear becoming more elongated and droopy.

This phenomenon is particularly visible in older people, whose ears appear to be larger, although they are not actually growing.

Why this matters

This article is of interest to Portuguese-speaking readers who grew up hearing this idea and now want to understand the scientific truth behind ear changes with age. The distinction between morphological changes (loss of elasticity, sagging) and actual growth is relevant for debunking popular beliefs about aging. The information can be particularly useful for those working in health or education fields, who need to correct frequently transmitted misinformation.

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This is our short summary of a report published by ZAP Notícias on 13 September 2026 at 14:45; the full text stays with the publisher. In our feed it sits under Science. We currently carry 4513 items in that section.

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