ANTHROPOMETRIC STUDY OF EXTERNAL EAR IN NORTH INDIAN POPULATION

Abstract

Introduction: Anthropometry is a series of systematize measuring techniques that express quantitatively the dimensions of human body and skeleton which shows variation according to age, gender and race. The identification of an individual by age and sex possesses difficulty in revealing its identify. Various parameters have been used to establish the identification of individuals. Anthropometry of external features of the pinna is one of them. Objective: The aim of study to differentiate the morphometric features of external ear among males and females and also between the right and left ear in each gender. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 students which consist of 62 males and 58 female MBBS students with the age between 18-25 years in Rama Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Kanpur. Following anthropometric parameters used were: Height of ear (HE), Width of ear (WE), lobular height (LH), Lobular width (LW), Auricular index (AI) and Lobular index (LI). Results: In the present study, that all the parameters of right ear slightly greater than left ear among male population except LW and LI. All the parameters of left ear slightly greater than right ear among female population except HE and WE. The mean of HE,WE and AI of right ear slightly greater than left ear among combined (male + female) population whereas LH, LW and LI which were slightly lesser on right side than left side. All the parameters of external ear greater in males than female except LH on both sides which were greater in females than males. Conclusion: This anthropometric study is useful in the plastic reconstructive surgeries to correct the deformities and also useful in making the hearing aids or prosthesis, ear phones and head phones.