Turtles are very sensitive reptile animals found on land, as well as, underwater sea areas.Most people assume that freshwater turtles or land turtles do not have ears and are incapable of hearing sounds, either loud sounds or sounds with low frequencies in the air. However, this is a myth about freshwater turtles or pet turtles that these animals do not have ears or cannot hear sounds.Turtles are reptile species that live on land, as well as, underwater and are often confused by their outer ear structure. Turtles do not have outer ears or external ears and have internal ears. The skin is thin and covers the internal ear bones of the turtles. The skin on both sides is like thin flaps that allow the turtles to hear sounds. They sense vibrations or sound vibrations through the skin flap. Turtles have thick skin, but on the side of their heads they have small holes, and one on their nose. High-pitched sounds are usually not heard by the outer ear or external ear of turtles. The lack of eardrums in turtles does not allow them to hear airborne sound waves. They pick up low-frequency sounds and vibrations through a small bone-like structure in their internal ears. So, the concept of turtles being deaf is totally false, and hearing different loud noises is only possible due to the inner ear canal of the turtle species. Airborne sounds are not heard by them, but rather these sensitive animals sense sound waves through vibrations. If you own a turtle, you may be wondering how to treat them if they have an infection in their inner ear canal, such as swelling. If they suffer from swelling, then it also becomes difficult for them to swallow food. Read on to find out more.If you enjoy reading this article about turtle’s ears and how they interpret vibrations, then do read some interesting and surprising fun facts about whether turtles have teeth or if turtles eat fish.Are turtles deaf?No, turtles are not deaf and can hear the things around them with the help of internal ears through vibrations.Many people believe that turtles cannot hear either on land or underwater. Although each outer ear of the turtle species is not visible, that does not mean that they do not have ears. They sense the sound around them through their skin and vibrations. The external ears of turtles are not exactly the same as humans’ external ears.A turtle’s ears are hard to spot on the side of its head. Sea turtles hear exactly the same way as land turtles hear the low-frequency sounds around them through sound vibrations or waves underwater. Each inner ear on the side of the sea turtles’ head helps them to know the change in the water pressure and sense predators around them. According to some of the research done, it is found that green sea turtles have sensitive hearing, around 200-500 Hz.Sea turtles have a cutaneous plate, a thick skin near the ear. Similarly, land turtles also use their brain and auditory nerve parts along with their inner ears on their smooth head sides to know about their predators. The brain and auditory nerves of any animal help them to sense danger. The low-frequency sounds aid in hearing both in male turtles and female turtles. The brain also plays a significant role in the hearing of turtles.Do turtles have three ears?Yes, turtle species of both sexes, female turtles and male turtles, have three ears. They have one on each side of the head and one on the nose, also called the middle ear, for hearing sound through vibrations.The turtle species have three ears for hearing different sounds, unlike other animals. The middle ear of the turtles makes them different from the other reptiles. The middle ear is evident in sea turtles, which makes their hearing ability more sensitive in comparison to land turtles. Sea turtles’ middle ears allow them to avoid predators and prey on other animals.The middle ear of a sea turtle is filled with an air cavity. The middle ear, or tympanic ear, of the turtle species, is better with its ability to sense things or hear things, especially when they are underwater, making the tympanic disc more comprehensive. You might sometimes notice some hissing sounds which are produced by the turtles if you own a pet turtle or visit a zoo.When it comes to the hearing of the turtles and music, high-pitched music sounds at times might stress out the turtle species, as they do have their own feelings and emotions. A turtle might like or dislike the music depending on whether they are feeling threatened or enjoying it. Generally, it is advised to keep them away from loud music. Do red ear slider turtles have ears?A red-eared slider turtle does not have external ears similar to those of other turtle species, and they use their tympanic disc near the middle ear to hear the things around them.Red-eared sliders, also called water sliders, are a type of turtle species that usually lives underwater and often comes onshore to bask in the sun. They have been named red-eared sliders because they have two red marks on both sides of their heads, which even makes one assume that they are the ears of these turtle species to hear things. This is exactly the opposite as the red marking on each side of the head is natural and they do not have any external ears like humans. It is believed that the inner ears of a red-eared slider turtle are behind their eyes and close to the red marking area. The red-eared slider turtle is not that good at hearing but is sensitive to vibrations and sound waves. The red-eared slider turtle is a semi-aquatic turtle species, and most of them are known to rely on their middle ear filled with air to hear things around them. It is one of the best pet turtle species and is a subspecies of the pond slider turtle.Do turtles recognize their owners?Yes, the turtles can recognize their owners through the vibrations and smell. Turtles can hear a human voice to some extent and may recognize their tone as well.Turtles are very affectionate and lovable reptile species that love to be around their owners. They easily sense the people and things around them with which they come into a daily acquaintance. The turtles do have emotions and feelings. They often go around their owners when they are showing playful behavior.Turtles are slow reptiles, but when they are happy and called upon through certain gestures by their owners, they might even make quick movements in comparison to their daily slow-motion movements. Through the senses of hearing, smell, and sight, the turtle species might recognize you easily only when it is specific to one owner and the owner deals with the pet on a daily basis.The turtle might make a movement towards the owner if the owner approaches the turtle’s tank. At times, it has been observed by turtle owners that these pet species often indulge in rubbing their heads and necks against them on their hands or arms. This is a significant and important sign that turtles have great trust in you and approach you for food or safety.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for whether turtles have ears, then why not take a look at 11 amazing facts on National Daughters Day revealed for kids or whether turtles have teeth?
Turtles are very sensitive reptile animals found on land, as well as, underwater sea areas.