Connect with us

Published

on

A study has found that small muscles in the human ear flex when an individual tries to focus on a particular sound in a noisy environment. These muscles, which were once crucial for movement in ancestral species, no longer play a significant role in modern human hearing. However, their activation suggests an evolutionary remnant of a once-functional auditory system. Researchers believe that understanding these subtle muscular responses could contribute to advancements in hearing aid technology.

Research Findings on Ear Muscles

According to the study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, experiments were conducted by Saarland University in Germany to examine the response of auricular muscles during listening tasks. Participants with normal hearing were exposed to overlapping audio sources while their ear muscles were monitored using electrodes. The results indicated that the superior auricular muscles, located above the ears, became more active as the difficulty of distinguishing sounds increased.

In contrast, the posterior auricular muscles, which are situated behind the ears, showed heightened activity when sounds originated from behind the participants. It has been suggested that these reflexive movements may have once helped early humans detect sounds outside their direct line of sight.

Potential Applications in Hearing Aids

Steven Hackley, a researcher at the University of Missouri, stated to Live Science that these findings could influence future hearing aid development. He explained that if hearing aids could detect muscle activation, they might be able to automatically amplify sounds in the direction a person is trying to focus on.

While some researchers believe the study provides insights into how humans attempt to enhance their hearing, others have noted that the increased muscle activity may not necessarily correlate with listening effort. Matthew Winn, a researcher at the University of Minnesota, stated to Live Science that the muscle response could instead reflect a heightened state of alertness rather than a conscious attempt to hear better.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Massive Coronal Hole on Sun Sends High-Speed Solar Wind Toward Earth



Apple Said to Stop Development of AR Glasses for Mac Computers

Continue Reading

Science

NASA Selects 10 New Astronauts to Support Future Moon and Mars Missions

Published

on

By

NASA has unveiled its 2025 astronaut class, selecting 10 candidates from over 8,000 applicants. For the first time, women make up the majority. Their training will prepare them for missions to the ISS, Artemis lunar exploration, and ultimately crewed missions to Mars, supporting NASA’s bold long-term spaceflight goals.

Continue Reading

Science

Scientists Confirm Ancient Asteroid Impact Created North Sea’s Silverpit Crater 43 Million Years Ago

Published

on

By

New research confirms the Silverpit Crater in the North Sea was formed by an asteroid impact around 43 million years ago. Using seismic imaging and rare mineral evidence, scientists proved the impact origin beyond doubt, resolving a debate that lasted two decades and placing the crater among Earth’s rare, well-preserved impact structures.

Continue Reading

Science

Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) Might Become Visible to the Naked Eye in October: Here’s What We Know

Published

on

By

Astronomers report that Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN), discovered in September, may brighten to near naked-eye visibility in October.

Continue Reading

Trending