While not canonical proof, there is further evidence that Ferengis literally undergo some sort of dramatic physical change in their ears during puberty (may or may not be complete replacement of ears), as implied by Ferengi using the term "lobeling" to refer to a young Ferengi.

In the DS9 episode "Profit and Lace"

ISHKA: You're overreacting.

QUARK: Whatever you say.

ISHKA: Reminds me of when you were a lobeling. You were always such a miserable child.

QUARK: Moogie, leave me alone.

While not canonical proof, there is further evidence that Ferengis literally undergo some sort of dramatic physical change in their ears during puberty (may or may not be complete replacement of ears), as implied by Ferengi using the term "lobeling" to refer to a young Ferengi.

In the DS9 episode "Profit and Lace"

ISHKA: You're overreacting.

QUARK: Whatever you say.

ISHKA: Reminds me of when you were a lobeling. You were always such a miserable child.

QUARK: Moogie, leave me alone.

There also seems to be further evidence that others believe the literal interpretation of young Ferengi losing their ears like teeth, as illustrated (literally) by the (non-canon) "Lobe hag"

the lobehag is a mythical creature of ferenginar. somewhat akin to the terran toothfairy, she is responsible for collecting the shedded lobeling-ears of young adolescents in exchange for three slips of latinum.

https://lobehag.tumblr.com/