Melanin in the Inner Ear? Yes, Really
When we talk about melanin, most people think of skin colour. But eumelanin, one of the two main forms of melanin, is found in many parts of the body — including the inner ear. In particular, eumelanin is present in areas responsible for both hearing (the cochlea) and balance (the vestibular system). This might sound surprising, but its presence is not decorative — eumelanin plays a protective and functional role in the sensory cells of the ear. These cells are delicate and highly specialised, and eumelanin is believed to help protect them from oxidative stress, inflammation, and environmental damage over time.
Eumelanin and Hearing Protection
The cochlea, a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear, is where sound vibrations are transformed into electrical signals for the brain. This system relies on the proper function of hair cells — tiny sensory receptors that don’t regenerate once damaged. Research suggests that eumelanin may help maintain the health of these cells by absorbing excess energy, neutralising free radicals, and possibly regulating calcium levels, which are vital to inner ear function. Interestingly, studies have found that individuals with higher levels of eumelanin in their inner ears tend to experience less age-related or noise-induced hearing loss. This has led scientists to explore the link between ethnic differences in eumelanin distribution and hearing outcomes.
Balance and the Vestibular System
Just next to the cochlea is the vestibular system, responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Like the cochlea, it also contains sensory cells that respond to movement. Eumelanin in these tissues is thought to contribute to the stability and health of balance-related pathways, although this is still an emerging field of research. Some studies suggest that eumelanin might help regulate ion transport and fluid pressure in the inner ear, both of which are critical for accurate balance perception. Disruption in these systems can lead to dizziness, vertigo, or falls — particularly in older adults.
Ethnic Differences in Ear Health
Evidence shows that people of African descent may have more eumelanin within their inner ears compared to individuals of European or Asian ancestry. This could be one factor contributing to the lower rates of age-related hearing loss often seen in African American populations. A landmark study found that Black adults in the United States were significantly less likely to experience hearing loss than their white counterparts, even after controlling for income, noise exposure, and medical conditions. That said, disparities in diagnosis and access to care still exist — so even with this potential protective advantage, it’s important for Black parents to monitor children’s hearing and balance development, especially after frequent ear infections, head injuries, or exposure to loud environments.
Further study
Melanin in human vestibular organs: what do we know now? An ultrastructural study and review of the literature, Palma et al, 2018: https://ayanetwork.com/aya/melanin/search/21695717.2018.1461488.pdf
Comparison of Age-Related Pigmentary Changes in the Auditory and Vestibular Systems Within Mouse and Human Temporal Bones, Andresen et al, 2021: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.680994/full
Eye color as a risk factor for acquired sensorineural hearing loss: A review, Mujia-Mata et al 2015: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heares.2014.12.002
Association of Skin Color, Race/Ethnicity, and Hearing Loss Among Adults in the USA, Lin et al, 2021: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10162-011-0298-8
