Not everyone is same. There are few chosen ones among us who are born with an anomalous organ or characteristics, like 6 fingers or toes, extra set of nipples, conjoint toes, etc. Just like that, you must have noticed a few people having a tiny hole above their ear, right where their temple is. A very small percentage of people are born with tiny and barely visible holes above their ears. No, they’re not strange people. They’re as normal as anyone could be. There’s a tiny portion of population that is born with this hole, which is scientifically known as ‘preauricular sinus’.
What is Preauricular Sinus?
It is a common congenital malformation characterized by a nodule, dent or a dimple located anywhere near the ear. Only 4-10% of population in Asia and Africa have this anomaly, 0.9 % in UK and 0.1 to 0.9% in US. Your chances of finding a person with this peculiar hole is higher in Africans and Asians.
How is it formed?
It is formed as a result of developmental defects of the first and second pharyngeal arches. It was first recognized by a scientist Van Heusinger in 1864. Usually these sinuses are found on one side of the face, but 50% of people have them on both the ears.
According to Business Insider, one revolutionary biologist Neil Shubin says this hole can be an evolutionary remnant of fish gills. This implies that, humans might have evolved from ‘fishes’!
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If you’re a part of this anomaly, then there’s no need to fret. There’s nothing to worry about this congenital anomaly as it don’t tend to cause any problem. There’s only one issue that these holes are prone to infections, which can be easily treated with the help of antibiotics. In case the infection is worsened, surgery is performed to get rid of the sinus.
If you look at it closely, it might look like a pre-made piercing! But you are advised NOT to put a jewellery piece in there, perhaps if you don’t want an infection.
