Ear muscles, once essential for tracking sound, now show limited movement in humans. Approximately 25 million years ago, human ancestors transitioned to static listening. The brain retains traces of the ear-orienting system, referred to as a “neural fossil.” A recent study revealed that ear muscles still react to listening challenges, indicating a residual sensitivity to sound. Muscle twitches occur especially when sounds originate from behind, illustrating attempts to engage with auditory stimuli. This research highlights how our evolutionary history continues to influence our present physiology and listening abilities. Imagine straining to catch a whisper in a crowded room, your ears