Anthropometric Study of External Ear: A Comparative Study in Medical Students of Nepalgunj Medical College in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Anthropometry is the measurements of the body parts in the living or dead persons with the help of instruments. Many studies in the past are done for various purposes such as: adding data to statistical data bank, to estimate stature, age differences. The study on the measurement of ear is also helpful to forensic expert for individual identity, to cosmetic surgeon to correct shape and size or reconstruct the auricle, to electronic companies to prepare hearing aids and lastly to prosthetic makers who required average measurement of the auricle to prepare prosthesis.

Aim and objective of the study: The aim of the study was to determine the normal anthropometric measurement of external ear in male and female Nepalese and Indian medical students.

Material and methods: This study was conducted on 200 medical students (Nepalese students 134 and Indian student 66). The study was conducted during October 2017 to November 2017. All the important parameters were obtained using vernier caliper.

Results: In Indian male auricular height and lobular height was found more than Nepalese. Auricular width was equal in both. Lobular width was more in left auricle and equal in right auricle in female. All parameters are more in Indian than Nepalese.

Conclusion: These measurements are helpful for forensic expert in individual identity, for cosmetic surgeries, correction of anomalies of auricle, for designing hearing aids and prepare prosthesis.