
27/08/2025
Want to geek out on hearing health? Did you know surfer's ear has been found in Neanderthals? They were unlikely to be catching waves, but it shows signs of coastal foraging. In a groundbreaking study, researchers analysed the ear canals of 23 Neanderthal remains and found that nearly 50% displayed signs of external auditory exostoses.
Surfer’s ear, medically known as external auditory exostoses, is marked by abnormal bony growths in the ear canal. Though its name suggests a modern affliction tied to surfing, this condition has deep evolutionary roots, even in our ancient relatives, the Neanderthals. The prevalence of surfer’s...