[Ear print as an identification method].

Abstract

In recent years, the analysis of earprints has been developed in the field of legal and forensic medicine, with the aim of acquiring an identification tool similar to fingerprints. In the present paper, we review the current status of earprint identification from both a medical and a legal perspective. The objective is to introduce an area of knowledge which, is spite of its closeness, is not familiar to otolaryngologists, and to present the up to date scientific evidence. First, identification in general, and earprint analysis in particular, are situated in a historical context. Second, an approximation is made to the complexity of earprint analysis, introducing conceptual problems of the method, and possible solutions. Next, a discussion on the legal peculiarities of the validity of the method is undertaken from the forensic point of view, and finally, current development is pointed.