Ear Changes In A Dying PT

Specializes in LTC.

My mother told me that she heard 20 years ago (she's a CNA) that a person's ears curl backward when they are toward the end. She says it sets in even before mottling does. I guess being new and haven't yet experienced many deaths that I have not noticed it. She says in almost every person she has seen pass this has happened. Has anyone else heard of this? Do you know what causes it?

What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing the phenomenon of a person's ears curling backward towards the end of life, with some mentioning that it happens before mottling sets in. Many healthcare professionals, including CNAs, nurses, and aides, have observed this in dying patients and consider it a common sign to watch for. Some users express surprise at learning about this phenomenon and share personal experiences of noticing ear changes in dying patients.

18 Answers

I have seen a number of dying pts whose earlobes drop back and get kinda saggy. They also develop an earlobe crease a lot of times. At the hospice where I worked, this was a common sign we watched for. We'd say "So and so's ears have dropped."

It's especially noticable when a pt is lying on their back. Their earlobes hang down. It's as if all the fluid has gone out of them. I don't know what causes this.

Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

Valerie is correct. It's one of the changes we look for in our patients, also. Usually noticed before the mottling begins.

Yep, it is true, it does happen and I always assumed it was from dehydration - a normal part of the dying process.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I was lucky enough to have a preceptor teach me this while we were taking care of a palliative patient. I doubt I would have picked this up on my own.

Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.
webbiedebbie said:
How soon after you see this does the pt pass on? I know there will be some circumstances and everyone is different. Just curious.

I have noticed it before the mottling begins...so anywhere from a day to a week. At least that's been my experience.

Specializes in CNA, LVN, RN.

I've been worked in the nursing profession for 20+ years, and had never heard this until a month ago when I began taking care of my terminally ill grandfather on hospice.   My mother-in-law who is a retired nurse asked me about his earlobes. I had no clue what she was talking about and thats when she told me she had a preceptor in the 80s when she was a GN tell her to pay attention to the earlobes and the cartilage would give way and the earlobes would pull backwards. I had taken care of a number of dying patients in my career, but had never been told to look for this sign. My grandfather is in his final days, and this morning I woke to his earlobes turned slightly backwards just like she told me. It is very strange because I really want to know the scientific reason this happens and you cannot find anything about it in books! 

gagezoie said:
My mother told me that she heard 20 years ago (she's a CNA) that a person's ears curl backward when they are toward the end. She says it sets in even before mottling does. I guess being new and haven't yet experienced many deaths that I have not noticed it. She says in almost every person she has seen pass this has happened. Has anyone else heard of this? Do you know what causes it?

Never heard or saw any such thing. (Late Entry) Apology to the OP, your Mom was right!

Valerie Salva said:
I have seen a number of dying pts whose earlobes drop back and get kinda saggy. They also develop an earlobe crease a lot of times. At the hospice where I worked, this was a common sign we watched for. We'd say "So and so's ears have dropped."

It's especially noticable when a pt is lying on their back. Their earlobes hang down. It's as if all the fluid has gone out of them. I don't know what causes this.

No kidding!! Wow, I have heard about a crease in the earlobe of people with cardiovascular disease. Never old to learn, I guess.

Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

Must look out for this, can't say I've ever noticed before!

Yep...I've seen it too.

Specializes in CNA, Surgical, Pediatrics, SDS, ER.

I was an aide for 4 yrs and nurse now going on 2 yrs and this is the first time I've heard this. Good info to know!

jmER said:
I was an aide for 4 yrs and nurse now going on 2 yrs and this is the first time I've heard this. Good info to know!

Don't feel bad - I was a nurse for many years, and took care of a multitude of dying patients, and I'd never heard of that!

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