[Michael Swansen]

Michael  Swansen asked the Naked Scientists:
I was wondering why your ears "burn"?

I know it has nothing to do with gossip, but what is the purpose for an increase in surface temperature on just the ear, and why is it usually only one ear that "burns" while the other seems to remain at a "normal" temperature?
What do you think?

[rosalind dna]

I think that it is when your blood cells in your ears rise to
work harder and faster than normal.

Unless as the saying goes that someone is talking you.

[chris]

Hi Michael

I suspect that this is all part of the same response that makes us blush - dynamic changes in the flow of blood through the superficial tissues of the head and neck due to emotional stimuli.

Personally I have not experienced the mono-burning-ear phenomenon; in me it's usually an all or none phenomenon - maybe you were using a phone on that ear?

Chris

[lyner]

I believe it is part of a low level communication medium to indicate mood to other tribe / pack members. It would have originally developed to regulate interactions withn  groups before verbal skills emerged.
There are many other, sometimes 'subliminal', signals which sensitive people (and con-men) can use in negotiations and confrontations.