Turtles can hear, however they do not have an outer ear that sticks out from their head as most animals do. Rather, they are equipped with inner ear mechanisms as well as auditory nerve and brain centers that are required for hearing.
The outer ear gathers sound vibrations to make them louder. It is for this reason that turtles do not hear airborne sounds as loudly as we humans can. However they do have a keen sense and can interpret vibrations within their environments. Hearing is not very important to turtles however, because their senses of vision and smell are excellent. What they lack in one area of the brain center, they definitely make up for elsewhere.
Mr Turtle says
As a young turtle attending Sea World High I very much appose this article and think that it should be removed from this website, as it is discriminatory to my fellow Franklins.
Tricia says
We have a small pet box turtle who roams freely in our house. We want to buy ultra-sonic pest deterrents to help keep mice and insects at bay. Will this ultra-sonic device bother our box turtle?
Thank you.
pola says
my friend has a red ear turtle named itchy, They said if you get put your hand down to his level and wave him to you he will come to you. I waved itchy to me and darn if he did not turn and walk over to me.