Ear The ear is part of a sensory system found in most carbon - based lifeform s , typically , but not always , consisting of a fleshy outer appendage usually called the outer ear , as well as a group of canals and vibration - sensitive membrane s and small bone s located inside the skull . Ears function by receiving vibrations in the ambient atmosphere and translating them into electrical impulses sent to the brain , which allows a humanoid to ' hear ' sounds around them . Most humanoid species ' ears are located on or around the outer areas of the skull , and the sensitivity and range of sounds audible varies greatly among species . The three bones of the middle ear are the malleus , incus and stapes . The ear also has a tympanic membrane which is the connective tissue between the middle and external auditory canal . ( ) Human ears are typically mostly round , fleshy appendages , while Vulcan ears are more typically pointed at the top . These features made Vulcans the frequent subjects of ridicule by Humans , although the stoic Vulcans were confounded by Human " fascination " with their ears . The Ferengi have large , rounded ears , the rims of which they refer to as " lobes " . Physically , the lobes are a highly sensitive area that produce feelings of pleasure and contentment when stroked , as in the technique called " oo - mox " . However , the lobes are also very sensitive to pain . ( ) In 2369 , while under the influence of the Saltah ' na energy sphere s , Major Kira Nerys proposed Constable Odo to support her in her " mutiny " . If he would do so , she offered him full power on how to handle the martial law on the promenade and even to toss Quark out of the station - on his ears . ( ) In late 2369 , Vedek Bareil Antos told Commander Benjamin Sisko that he knew a monk when he was five years old who could " " squeeze the " pagh " right out of your ear with his thumb and forefinger " " . ( ) Many species , such as the Gorn have no external appendage or visible ' ear ' but can hear as well as , and in some cases far better than , species with external auditory organs . ( ) The Soong - type android s ' ears are fully integrated and are not removable . ( ) They also have a sensitivity greater than those of the average Earth dog . ( ) Sensitivity . The sensitivity and hearing ranges for species vary widely , even on the same planet . Vulcan hearing is known to be more acute than that of most Humans . Ferengi have extremely sensitive hearing , as well . Vorta were genetically engineered with no aesthetic sense , but acute hearing , as Weyoun was able to hear Gul Dukat ' s quiet discussion about his daughter with his subordinate Damar . ( ) Shalaft ' s Syndrome is a genetic disorder which causes an extreme sensitivity to sound , this condition was suffered by Captain Jean - Luc Picard and his clone Shinzon . ( ) " In 2258 of the alternate reality , while attempting to change her assignment from the to the , reminded of her " exceptional aural sensitivity " , a fact which the latter did not dispute . " ( ) Deafness . The state of being unable to hear , whether by gene tic makeup , congenital defect , or external damage to a being ' s hearing is known as deafness . Some societies consider deafness a weakness or handicap , while others have no social stigma attached to it . ( )