While extra-large ears help with hearing, that’s not the reason for their size. Elephants have giant, floppy ears because they regulate body Why Elephants Have Big Ears: The Secret to Staying Cool ...

Elephant ears are also a natural shield against insects and harsh sunlight. In the wild, where bugs can be relentless, elephants use their large ears to swat away flies and other pests.

Outer ear infections, for instance, are typically treated with antibiotic ear drops and by keeping the ear dry during recovery. "If the ear canal is very swollen, a small, sponge-like wick may be ...