No, ears do not actually grow bigger with age.
While it might seem like our ears and noses get larger as we get older, this isn't due to actual growth. Instead, these changes are primarily due to two factors:
- Skin Changes: As we age, our skin loses elasticity and collagen. This can cause the skin around our ears to sag and droop, making them appear larger.
- Gravity: The constant pull of gravity over time can stretch the soft tissues of the ears downward. This also makes them appear longer or larger.
Here’s a table summarizing why ears appear to get bigger with age:
| Factor | Explanation | Effect on Ear Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Elasticity Loss | Skin loses its firmness and begins to sag due to reduced collagen and elastin production. | Ears appear stretched and larger |
| Gravity | The constant pull of gravity on the ears' soft tissues causes them to droop. | Ears appear longer or wider. |
According to the reference, "Your nose and ears indeed change as you get older, but it isn't that they're growing. Instead, what you're seeing are the effects of skin changes and gravity." This clearly states that changes are not a result of growth, but rather structural shifts caused by natural processes.
Therefore, even though our ears may appear bigger as we age, they are not actually growing. It's a matter of the skin and surrounding tissue changing shape due to gravity and loss of skin elasticity.
