[2] In 1970, it was proposed that it should be in its own family, due to its intermediate qualities between Vespertilionidae and Molossidae.

The fur is soft and dense, with individual hairs approximately 8 mm (0.31 in) long.

Unlike other free-tailed bats, the projection of the tail from the uropatagium is very short, with only the last two caudal vertebrae extending past the membrane, measuring 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) long.

[9] The calcar forms a small but distinct lobe, and its keel is narrow and inconspicuous.

[3] In 2010, a blunt-eared bat was discovered 230 km (140 mi) south of the previous estimated range.

This capture was the first time the blunt-eared bat was observed in over thirty years.

[12] A 2013 study suggested that their range might extend into southwest Ecuador, as the habitat would be similar to where they are found in Peru.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature assessed it as vulnerable in 1996 and 2008, but revised its classification to endangered in 2016.

This species is possibly under threat by efforts to control vampire bats.