Morphological variations and biometrics of ear: First documented evidence from ethnic Kashmiri Population (Northern India)

Abstract

Background: Anthropometric data for a specific population is always required for identification, product design, ear reconstruction, and manufacture of ear-related instruments. This study aimed to determine the anthropometric measures of the external ear and compare them on both the sides and in either sex among the ethnic Kashmiri population. Methods: The study sample had 98 boys and 102 females aged 18–25. Subjects with a history of craniofacial trauma, ear diseases, congenital defects, or ear surgery were excluded from the study after racial confirmation. A single investigator took all measurements on both the ears using a standard digital Vernier's caliper capable of measuring to the nearest 0.1 mm. Results: It is observed that the total ear width (EW) in the right ear ranged from 2.92 ± 0.19 to 3.12 ± 0.22 in cm. The mean EW on the left ear was found more significant than on the right side in the studied population. The mean TEH among the males in the right ear was found to be 6.02 ± 0.34, while in the left, it was 5.78 ± 0.33. Furthermore, the mean EW among the females on the right side was 2.88 ± 0.21 compared to 2.85 ± 1.25 for the left and right ears respectively. The association was found to be significant (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Identifying landmark variations in distinct ethnic groups could help establish morphological assessment and morphometric variations of human ears.