Medically known as a preauricular pit (or preauricular sinus), it is a small congenital feature that forms during early development. Because it rarely interferes with hearing or daily life, many individuals don’t realize it has a specific medical name until a healthcare provider mentions it during a routine exam.This feature develops very early in pregnancy, when the structures of the outer ear are forming. During this stage, several small tissue segments must merge in a precise pattern. If the fusion is slightly incomplete, a narrow tract or opening may remain near the ear. This variation is typically harmless and is not considered a defect in growth. In some families, it appears across generations, suggesting a hereditary component. It may occur on one ear or, less commonly, on both. In the vast majority of cases, no treatment is required.