As the name suggests, the ears of individuals with this condition are usually positioned lower than usual, but this doesn’t mean that they have hearing issues.
Generally, if the point where the curved upper part of your ears (helix) meets your cranium is below the line linking the corner of your eyes, then you have low-set ears.
This congenital condition isn’t normal; in fact, it is associated with several congenital conditions including Noonan syndrome, Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Cri du chat syndrome, among others.
This means people with low-set ears were born with one of these conditions.
Here are the top 12 celebrities with low-set ears:
1. Frankie Muniz
Muniz, the leading actor of “Malcolm in the Middle” was born with a condition known as Noonan syndrome. This condition has various symptoms, including the low-set ears observed in the actor. Despite the condition which saw him undergoing open-heart surgery at 19, he has managed to create a successful career for himself.
2. Yorke Parkin
Parkin became popular after representing his country in the Special Olympics BC Winter Games in 2023. The teen has always wanted to represent his community since he was 6 years old and he didn’t let his Noonan syndrome prevent him from taking part in the skiing games. Parkin was allowed to take part in the Special Olympic Games because he has Noonan Syndrome that’s responsible for his low-set ears.
3. Jackie Evancho
Another celebrity with low-set eyes due to Noonan syndrome is Jackie Evancho. The star was diagnosed with this condition when she was 8 years old, but that didn’t stop her from surprising us with a beautiful voice. She also suffered from an eating disorder while young that resulted in her having osteoporosis which explains her needing braces to straighten her spine while young.
4. Pablo Pineda
When you see the Spanish actor, the first thing you’ll notice is his low-set ears and thick neck with extra skin. His unique features are caused by Down syndrome which he always says don’t define him. He is the first person with Down syndrome to ever graduate. Pablo has always advocated for people with Down syndrome while praising his siblings for always being there for him.
5. Leon Harrop
The British radio presenter has Down syndrome and even plays this condition in movies. The most notable roles that he has played in his condition includes “Ralph & Katie” and “The A Word.” Harrop has low-set small ears that are associated with Down syndrome. Like the other celebrities in our list, Leon has accepted his condition and even plays Ralph in the series who’s married to Sarah Gordy who also has Down syndrome.
6. Sarah Gordy
The other half of “Ralph & Katie” was also born with Down syndrome and loves playing her condition in movies. Their unique series has encouraged various couples with Down syndrome as they try to enjoy life as a newlywed couple. Gordy became the first female with Down syndrome to get an MBE and the first Down syndrome patient to get an honorary degree from a United Kingdom University in 2018.
7. Ellie Goldstein
Born in 2001, Ellie became the first person with all the symptoms of Down syndrome to ever be on the cover of Vogue. When she was born, doctors said that she would never talk or walk because of the condition and nurses advised her mother to leave her at the hospital, which she didn’t. Instead, she raised her as Ellie first and not a person with Down syndrome.
8. Liam Bairstow
Another person with low-set ears that has defied the odds and played a recurring role on ITV coronation Street is Liam. Liam has Down syndrome and hasn’t let the condition define him. He also serves as the Mencap’s ambassador.
9. Paula Sage
Unlike most kids with Down syndrome, Sage was lucky enough to be adopted by Mary and Alan Sage who understood her condition. Her dad, a university lecturer, played a major role in her life and even helped her believe in herself. They’re the main reason she became a netball player, actress and she even advocates for people with the same condition.
10. Bella Santorum, Senator Rick Santorum’s Daughter
Back in 2012, Rick had to leave his campaign after his daughter Bella was hospitalized. Bella was 3 years old then and the senator had to explain that she was born with Trisomy-18, a rare condition that’s quite fatal and the main reason she has low-set ears. Kids with this condition have a 90% likelihood of losing their lives during their first year alive and the fact that she has survived this long is a blessing.
11. Lauren Potter
Fans of Glee can remember Potter, who played Becky Jackson and how unique she was. But some of you may be surprised to know that she has Down syndrome and played her condition in the series. Potter was born with the condition that gave her most of her unique features including low-set ears.
12. Ashley DeRamus
Another celebrity who has overcome her condition and made a great life for herself is Ashley DeRamus. In 2019, she became the first individual with Down syndrome to sing the national anthem in 50 states. She is also known for unique fashion line “Ashley by Design” and also for appearing in Jason Crabb’s music video.
Can the Low-Set Ear Be One-Sided or Unilateral?
Yes, in rare cases, low-set ears can occur unilaterally, particularly in individuals with Goldehar syndrome. This condition is marked by incomplete formation of the lip, mandible, nose, and ear. Low-set ears can also be bilateral, especially in individuals with conditions such as Okamoto syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Down syndrome
