The term "ear mites" refers to a type of parasite that lives in the ears of animals, particularly cats and dogs. These tiny creatures are not actually mites but rather belong to the arachnid family. They feed on debris and skin cells found in the ear canal, which can cause irritation, inflammation, and itching for the animal. In severe cases, excessive scratching or head shaking may lead to further damage to the ears. Treatment typically involves cleaning the ear canal and administering medication to eliminate the parasites.