Comparison of Auricular Anthropometric Measurements of Pupils in Deaf and Regular Schools in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna-Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Individuals with abnormal set of ears feel depressed, and this could affect their self esteem.

Methods: A cross-sectional study that assessed auricular anthropometric measurements of pupils at the schools for the deaf and those in regular schools within Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna. Ethical approval was obtained from the state Ministry of Health. Consent was obtained from the parents/guardians of the pupils and assent from the pupils. Pupils were selected in a multi-staged sampling fashion. Digital Vernier Caliper was used to measure the total ear height, the ear width and the ear projection of the deaf pupils and normal pupils. The generated data was analysed with SPSS version 20.

Results: Age range of subjects was 8-17 years, mean of 13.5±2.4 against 7-17 years, mean of 13.1±1.8 for controls. Mean right total ear height among subjects was 61.5±7.2mm against 61.3±4.6mm among controls. Left mean total ear height among subjects and controls was 61.6±7.2mm and 61.5±4.4 respectively. Mean right ear width among subjects and controls was 33.4±5.2mm and 37.2±4.0mm respectively. Mean left ear width among subjects was 33.4±5.3mm and 37.2±4.1mm among controls. Mean right ear projection among subjects was 21.7±4.1mm and 21.5±2.4mm among  controls. Mean left ear projection among subjects and controls was 21.9±3.7mm and 21.4±2.3mm respectively.

Conclusion: Our study showed that the deaf pupils had lower values of ear width in both ears compared to the general population.

Keywords: Anthropometry, Auricular, Kaduna, Pupils