What physical damage could protruding ears possibly have on the individual?

No physical effect: Prominent ears, also known as "bat-ears" is a congenital condition, with some genetic effect, that leads to a perception of being different, often by others, rather than the individual. The damage from this condition is not physical but rather emotional. Children can be ridiculed and sometimes assigned a level of immaturity or low intellect. Corrective surgery can be done, but is cosmetic.