In biblical symbolism, ears are potent metaphors for spiritual receptivity and obedience. Numerous passages underscore the link between hearing and faithfulness—Proverbs 20:12 highlights the divine origin of hearing, while Isaiah 55:3 calls for active listening as a path to spiritual life. Dreams featuring ears may signal a divine invitation to attune oneself to God's guidance, to cultivate discernment, or to examine one's openness to spiritual truth. Conversely, blocked or closed ears in dreams may represent spiritual resistance, hardness of heart, or an unwillingness to heed divine instruction, as in Jeremiah 6:10.

In Buddhist thought, the ear is one of the six sense bases through which attachment and aversion arise. Mindful listening is a practice that cultivates awareness, compassion, and equanimity. Dreams of ears may highlight the need for mindful attention to sound and speech, or the importance of listening without clinging or judgment. Blocked ears could symbolize ignorance (avidya), resistance to hearing the Dharma, or a lack of openness to transformative teachings.

Culturally, ears are loaded with meanings related to listening, secrets, social awareness, and reputation. The phrase 'having big ears' can imply nosiness or heightened sensitivity to gossip. Dreams about ears may reflect anxieties about what others are saying, one's ability to listen effectively, or sensitivity to social cues and reputation. Blocked ears might symbolize social withdrawal, deliberate ignorance, or a desire to shield oneself from negative influences.

In Hindu symbolism, the ear is associated with the sense of hearing (shabda), connected to the element of ether (akasha), and is revered as a conduit for sacred knowledge. The oral transmission of Vedic wisdom underscores the spiritual significance of listening. Dreaming of ears may indicate readiness to receive spiritual teachings, the need to pay attention to mantras or sacred sounds, or a call to fulfill one's dharma through attentive listening. Blocked ears may reflect spiritual disconnection or neglect of one's higher purpose.

In Islamic dream interpretation, ears are closely tied to perception, moral accountability, and the integrity of one's reputation. The Qur'an frequently references hearing as a gift and a means for receiving divine guidance (Qur'an 67:23). Healthy ears in dreams may indicate spiritual openness and gratitude for guidance, while blocked or damaged ears can signify heedlessness, ingratitude, or ignoring important advice. Classical interpreters like Ibn Sirin also connect ears to one's reputation and the impact of others' words, suggesting that dreams about ears may reflect concerns about how one is perceived or spoken about.

Psychologically, ears in dreams represent the faculties of listening, understanding, and emotional attunement. They may point to the dreamer's relationship with communication—whether one feels heard, is actively listening, or is avoiding certain truths. Blocked ears can symbolize denial, repression, or an unwillingness to engage with uncomfortable realities. Exaggerated or sensitive ears may indicate hyper-awareness of others' opinions or a craving for validation. Jungian analysis frames ears as symbols of openness to the unconscious, suggesting a need to listen to inner wisdom or suppressed aspects of the psyche.

Spiritually, ears are regarded as channels for receiving subtle guidance from higher realms, intuition, or the collective unconscious. Many traditions speak of the 'inner ear'—the capacity to perceive truths beyond ordinary perception. Dreams involving ears may suggest a call to deepen one's spiritual listening, to trust intuitive insights, or to become more attuned to the subtle messages of the soul. Blocked ears can indicate spiritual stagnation or resistance to transformation.