Variations in palmar dermatoglyphics among congenital deaf cases: a comparative study

Background: Dermatoglyphics, the scientific study of the origin, development and variation of dermal ridges and patterns on the fingers, palms and soles have been employed to observe association with many congenital defects and genetic diseases. Congenital deafness refers to a hearing loss which is believed to have been present since birth. A congenitally deaf child is also a mute because for normal speech to develop in a child, hearing sensation must be intact. Materials and methods: The study involved 100 congenital deaf and mute children of age groups ranging from 7 years to 20 years. Out of them 50 were males and 50 females. The following parameters were considered after collecting the prints : Digital patterns, digital counts, a-b ridge count (which is done by counting the ridges found at the intersect between point ‘a’- the base of the index finger to point ‘b’- the base of the middle finger), ‘atd’ (angle made by connecting the ‘a’, ‘t’and‘d’ triradii points on the palm and ‘dat’ angles (angle made by joining the ‘d’, ‘a’ and ‘t’ triradii points on the palm). Results: The study revealed considerable decrease in mean TFRC(Total finger ridge count), AFRC(Absolute finger ridge count) and mean ridge count in both male and female deaf cases. The mean atd angle in both cases were increased. The mean (a-b) ridge counts were decreased in both male and female deaf cases. Qualitative analysis revealed increase in arches and decrease in whorls of all cases. Conclusion: The present study reveals the differences in the dermatoglyphic patterns in congenital deaf cases. The results of this study could be of great importance to clinicians with respect to genetical basis in the identification of the cases at early stages.