Anthropometric growth study of the ear in a chinese population

Publication date: Available online 20 October 2017
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Shichun Zhao, Dianguo Li, Zhenzhong Liu, Yibiao Wang, Lei Liu, Duyin Jiang, Bo Pan
BackgroundA large number of anthropometric studies of the auricle have been reported in different nations, but little data are available in the Chinese population. The aim of this study was to analyze growth changes in the ear by measuring the width and length of ears in a Chinese population.MethodsA total of 480 participants were enrolled and classified into 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 7 years, 9 years, 12 years, 14 years and 18 years groups (half were boys and half were girls in each group). Ear length, ear width, body weight and body length were measured and recorded; ear index was calculated according to ear length and ear width. The growth of auricle and differences between genders were analyzed. Growth of ear in relation to body height and weight as well as the degree of emphasis on the length and width of the auricle were also analyzed.ResultsEar length and width were increased with age. Ear length achieved its mature size in both 14-year-old males and females. Ear width reached its mature size in males at 7 years and in females at 5 years. Different trends of ear index were shown between males and females. People in this population paid more attention to the length than the width of the auricle.ConclusionsThe data indicated that ear development followed increase in age. There were gender and ethnic difference in the development of ear. These results may have potential implications for the diagnosis of congenital malformations, syndromes and planning of ear reconstruction surgery.