The shape of the external human ear: A geometric morphometric study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the shape variability of the external ear. Variability in the shape of the ear was investigated based on the type of ear, gender and facial side in terms of the shape of the helix and antihelix and the concha. Material and Methods: A landmark-based geometric morphometric technique was used to analyze the external shape of the ear. The study included 330 (177 females and 153 males) voluntary young adults aged between 18 and 24 years. All data were obtained from standardized digital photographic images taken from the right and left sides of the face. The data from the landmark coordinates were analyzed using statistical shape analysis. Results: Earlobes were classified according to the angle between the earlobe and the cheek. In accordance with this classification in our study, ear type was classified as type I (tapering-acute angle), type II (square-right angle) and type III (pendulous-obtuse angle) according to the appearance of the lobule. There were significant differences between the gender groups for right and left side separately regarding the shapes of the helix and the shape of the antihelix and the concha in type I ears. There were significant differences between type I and type II ears for right and left side separately regarding the shapes of the helix and the shape of the antihelix and the concha in females. Conclusion: The present study serves as a guide to future clinical studies by demonstrating localized variations in the components of the ear that constitute the overall shape of the ear. © 2013 by Türkiye Klinikleri.