These microscopic hairs are essential for hearing and maintaining balance.
Evolutionary remnants: Like most body hair, ear hair is a leftover evolutionary trait that has diminished in importance but still persists.
Even before birth, humans develop soft, fine hair known as lanugo
, which covers the entire body—including the ears.
This usually disappears before or shortly after birth, but some babies (especially those born prematurely) retain it for a while.
