The use of ear morphoscopy and morphometry in sex determination: a case report

Abstract

Sex determination is an important aspect in forensic investigations. Human ears are considered unique, as they have distinctive morphological and morphometric features that allow sex determination and may be use as adjunct evidence. This case report highlights the sex identification of two deceased Indonesian males aged 33 and 76 years by evaluating their ear morphoscopy and morphoscopic measurements. Photographs were taken of the ears of both deceased individuals. Morphoscopic evaluations included evaluations of the Darwin’s tubercle, helix form, earlobe form, and earlobe attachment. The morphometric measurements included measurements of the left ear height, left ear width, left lobule height, and left lobule width. The results were compared to those of previous studies. From morphoscopy evaluations and morphometric measurements, both victims were identified as male. In conclusion, ear morphoscopy and ear morphometry can be used as tools for sex determination with accurate data from the respective population to elevate the accuracy of the measurements.

Keywords: ear morphoscopy; ear morphometry; sex determination; forensic