A backyard plant has been blamed for causing a string of traumatic ear injuries.

The humble Yukka has — in some of the most serious cases — led to permanent hearing loss.

Dr Stephen O’Leary, of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, told Ross and John the injuries are generally caused by people gardening and carrying the plants.

“I imagine it’s people so worried about their eyes they’re not thinking about their ears,” he said.

“So they might turn their head away to protect their eyes, and the next thing along your head is the ears.”

Click PLAY to hear Ross and John discuss the matter