A Study of Prominent Ears Among Undergraduates in Delta State University at Abraka in Nigeria

Abstract

The goal of this inquiry is to establish the pervasiveness of prominent ears among undergraduates of Delta State University, Abraka in Nigeria.The outcome can act as a guide during correctional surgical measures in congenital or acquired ear defects. This enquiry adopted an observational cross-sectional study plan. The study sample comprised of both male and female undergraduates of Delta State University, Abraka aged between 16-30 years. Exactly 384 individuals (184 males and 200 females) were sampled and the cluster sampling procedure was practiced. Data was collected with the aid of a sliding vernier caliper, pencil, and a data collection sheet. Every subject’s head was kept in Frankfort’s horizontal plane and dimensions were taken with a sliding caliper. Ear projection greater than 21mm was defined as ear prominence. Totality of 36 (9.38%) had small right ear while 28 (7.29%) had small left ear. Prominent ear was more prevalent on the right region (n=44, 11.45%) than on the left (n=19, 4.95%). Entirety of 63 (16.4%) had prominent ears with more males affected compared to the females. The gender disparity in the occurrence of prominent ears is not remarkable (p>0.05). The relationship between age and the occurrence of prominent ears was remarkable (p=.000). Indubitably prominent ear is not widespread among the considered undergraduates.