Side-to-side earlobe variations with respect to surface area and shape: a quantitative study.

Side-to-side earlobe variations, based on the size of the earlobe surface area and a classification into earlobe types, were quantitatively analyzed in 58 female students, ranging from 20 to 22 years old. Using a new earlobe measurement technique, a closed-circuit outline of each ear was directly traced onto a clear polyethylene sheet, after which the surface area of the earlobe portion of each ear was identified, measured by a digital planimeter, and analyzed. Results revealed that side-to-side differences in the size of the earlobe surface area existed in all subjects. In contrast, based on classifying the earlobe shape into three types (i.e., tapering, square, or pendulous), differences in the mean earlobe surface area value among the three types were not significant. However, when the classification of the earlobe shape was reduced to only two types (pendulous or nonpendulous), the mean earlobe surface area value between the two types was highly significant. These results thus suggest that for a quantitative analysis of earlobe variations, classification of the earlobe shape into two types rather than into three types is the better method. This method makes it easy to distinguish earlobe differences. Further, if the earlobe differences are noted before ear piercing, a balanced ear piercing effect can be achieved.