How to Measure Ear Size and Projection for Otoplasty Evaluation

Otoplasty Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery of the Ear.

Michael Bermant, MD
Board Certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery

Measure ear size, lenght, ear width, ear projection, and helix height can be important for otoplasty ear surgery

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Large ear deformity and otoplasty ear reduction plastic surgery

For those patients using Dr. Bermant's remote preliminary discussion, standardized photographs alone are not enough to understand the problem. We need ear dimensions and measurements to better understand the problem. How to measure ears becomes important for patients trying to minimize travel to Virginia. Self measurements are not necessary for those patients planning to start with our in office consultation. During your in office examination, Dr. Bermant will perform an examination and measure your ears himself.

Measure ear projection for otoplasty ear surgery

Existing Ear Projection
Ear projection measures the distance of the scalp to the rim of the ear. Three measurements, one at the top, middle and earlobe although better, are difficult to reproduce since there are no defined landmarks. One single measurement at the greatest projection is easier. The end of the ruler should rest against the scalp. If the ruler markings do not start at the end, measure the difference and add that to the total.

When providing us with your ear projection, please let us know if your measurement is the maximum, at the top, middle, or bottom.

Measuring ear projection for otoplasty ear surgery

Calipers are more accurate for measuring Ear Projection.

Measurement of ear projection for otoplasty ear surgery

Measure ear projection for otoplasty ear surgery with caliper

Existing Ear Projection
Here Dr. Bermant measures the bottom, middle, and top Ear Projection. One end of the caliper rests gently against the scalp behind the ear. The other end rests over the edge of the ear being careful not to depress the Ear Projection.

Desired Ear Projection
A caliper can also help Dr. Bermant understand what Ear Projection you desire. For this measurement, push the ear to the head and measure the desired Projection of the Ear. Back to Top

Dr. Bermant uses caliper to measure ear projection for otoplasty ear surgery

Measure ear size (length) for otoplasty ear surgery

Ear Size (Length) Measurement for Ears with Detached Earlobes
Larger calipers are best to measure Ear Length accommodating the shape of the ear. For an ear that the lower earlobe is detached, there is a defined lower point to measure.

Measuring ear size (length) for otoplasty ear surgery

Ear Size (Length) Measurement for Ears with Attached Earlobes
Dr. Bermant prefers large calipers for this measurement. For an ear that the lower earlobe is attached, there is no defined point for measurement. In this situation, please measure the lower ear where it attaches to the face. Such measurements tend to be artificially longer than for detached lobes.

Measurement of ear size (length) for otoplasty ear surgery

Ruler to measure ear size (length) for otoplasty ear surgery

Ear Length Measurements
It can be difficult to measure ear size with a ruler.

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Measure ear width (ear size) for otopalsty ear surgery.

Ear Size (Width)
Dr. Bermant measures ear width from the tragus straight back to the outside rim of the helix. With the head upright, the caliper or ruler should be level.

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Measure helix height (ear size) for otopalsty ear surgery.

Ear Size (Height of Helix Rim )
Some patients have very wide helix rims, this is especially significant with Cup Ear Deformity. Helix rim height varies around the ear. Some patients have a missing helix or flat rim deformity. Dr. Bermant uses a caliper to measure the distance between the outside edge to the back edge of the rim of the ear. When such measurements are provided, use a drawing or photo to indicate where the measurement was taken.

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Click here to open this check list and measurement form in a new window for easier printing.

Check List and Form for Ear Measurements For Dr. Bermant

Left Ear Projection

	Existing	Desired
Top	____ cm	____ cm
Middle	____ cm	____ cm
Bottom	____ cm	____ cm
Maximum	____ cm	____ cm

Measure your ear from top edge of helix to scalp skin behind ear.

Right Ear Projection

	Existing	Desired
Top	____ cm	____ cm
Middle	____ cm	____ cm
Bottom	____ cm	____ cm
Maximum	____ cm	____ cm

Measure your ear from top edge of helix to scalp skin behind ear.

Left Ear Length

________ cm
Measure your ear from top to bottom of earlobe.

Left earlobe is
detached attached

Right Ear Length

________ cm
Measure your ear from top to bottom of earlobe

Right earlobe is
detached attached

Left Ear Width

________ cm
Measure your ear from tragus to back of rim.

Right Ear Width

________ cm
Measure your ear from tragus to back of rim.

Left Ear Height of Helix Rim

________ cm
Measure the height of the helix rim. Please mark on Dr. Bermant's Ear History drawing or Photograph where this measurement was taken.

Right Ear Height of Helix Rim

________ cm
Measure the height of the helix rim. Please mark on Dr. Bermant's Ear History drawing or Photograph where this measurement was taken.

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Michael Bermant, MD
Ironbridge Medical Park
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Chester, Virginia 23831

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This page last updated on: April 27, 2008

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