The term 'PERTAINING TO THE EAR' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: AURAL (5 letters) and OTIC (4 letters). AURAL refers to the sense of hearing, or the ability to perceive sound. It is derived from the Latin word for ear, auris. OTIC is a medical term that refers to the ear and its related structures. It is derived from the Greek word for ear, ous. Both terms are used to describe anything related to the ear, such as hearing, balance, and anatomy.