Ear Changes In A Dying PT

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.

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?

banditrn said:
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!

Me neither, I guess old dogs can learn new tricks.

Specializes in ICU, CCU,Wound Care,LTC, Hospice, MDS.

I was told when I started in Hospice that noses get pointy, too.

Specializes in Geriatrics, WCC.

I was told this back in the 70's and still note it on each dying resident to this day.

Specializes in OB, Telephone Triage, Chart Review/Code.

How soon after you see this does the pt pass on? I know there will be some circumstances and everyone is different. Just curious.

Having been a CNA for as many years as I was, I have taken care of too many dying patients to count. Honestly, I never noticed any changes in the ears. Then again, I wasn't really looking at the ears to note any changes, so I guess there could have been changes, I just wasn't watching for it.

Interesting, you DO learn something new every day. From now on, I'll be sure to note the ears of a dying patient.

Specializes in Palliative.

Not sure what causes the lobe curl, but as an RPN/PSW IN Palliative care that's what we where taught to look for as well as the colour loss at the extremities 

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