Anthropometric Study of the External Ear Among Delta State University Students in Abraka, Nigeria

Abstract

Context: The morphology of the ear auricle contributes to the important facial features, which influence the facial appearance of an individual. Aim: The aim of this inquiry was to present the anthropometric details of the ear auricle and lobe among Delta State University students in Abraka, Nigeria. Setting and Design: This enquiry adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design and considered both male and female Delta State University Students in Abraka aged between 17 and 31 years. The sample size for this study was 384 (204 males and 180 females), and the simple random sampling technique was used. Data were obtained with the use of Vernier caliper (standard digital sliding Vernier caliper), a tape rule, data collection sheet, and pencil, which were used for measurement and recording. Ethical clearance/approval was secured from the Ethical Board of the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology in the Delta State University in Abraka, Nigeria. The data obtained were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.0. Results: The left and right auricular width and height and lobular width and height were observed to be higher in males when compared with females. There was no significant gender difference in the right ear auricular height, left and right ear lobular height, and left and right ear lobular width (P > 0.05). However, there was a significant gender difference in the left auricular height and left auricular width (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This enquiry provides a template for designers and ergonomists in designing prostheses and manufacturing ear microphone for various age brackets as well as provides a guide for plastic surgeons in construction and determination of the exact auricular framework across various age brackets.