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The role of the ear in psychic life has been little studied by psychoanalysts. Knapp reviews and illustrates the symbolic equivalences of the ear with the vagina, the anus, the mouth, the uterus, and the phallus. The ears can become symbolically bisexual; as projections they signify power, as receptive orifices they are exposed to the dangers of attack, penetration, and poisoning. Their significance as an orifice seems to predominate in the body image. Hence loss of an ear seems less devastating than loss of an eye—it is a 'minor castration'. Oedipus was not made deaf.
Listening is active discrimination; it serves in the use of language and of special skills, and in gratifying curiosity. It contributes to the formation of ego and superego and to instinctual gratification.
The ear is also a passive receptor for affectively tinged sound. The ability to not listen is important; in sleep we employ 'auditory repression' which is selective—the sleeping mother, for example, is alert to her child's cry.
Emotional investment of the ear, as of any organ, possibly can produce physiological change and physical disease of the organ.