In modern clinical sources, the prevalence of infectious ear diseases is usually higher in urban environments as opposed to rural environments. Due to overcrowding, poor hygiene and high intensity...Show moreIn modern clinical sources, the prevalence of infectious ear diseases is usually higher in urban environments as opposed to rural environments. Due to overcrowding, poor hygiene and high intensity of contact with other people, infectious diseases tend to spread more easily in such environments. In this research, the research questions is: Are we able to see differences in the prevalence of infectious ear diseases between the skeletal populations from an urban and a rural site? Also, the populations are examined to which ear diseases can be identified in skeletal populations. The skeletal populations used are from Alkmaar and Middenbeemster. The population from Alkmaar originates from the 15th and 16th century, and consists of 37 usable skeletons. The population from Middenbeemster originates from mainly the 19th century and consists of 60 usable skeletons. The ear ossicles, tympanic cavities, external ears and mastoid processes are examined for pathological conditions. In total, the number of individuals affected by ear diseases was 18 in Alkmaar and 25 in Middenbeemster. Infectious diseases were found most frequently, followed by neoplasms and congenital diseases. Overall, more infectious diseases were found in Middenbeemster as opposed to Alkmaar. No significant differences in prevalence of infectious ear diseases or overall ear sickness were found. It can therefore be suggested that living environment did not affect the prevalence of infectious ear diseases and overall ear sickness in these historical populations. Possible explanations for the masking of these differences can be the osteological paradox, smoking, air pollution and socio-economic status. This research shows that ear diseases can be identified within skeletal populations from the Netherlands. Not only infectious diseases, but also congenital diseases and neoplasms are identified. This research can be a starting point for further research on ear diseases in general and infectious ear diseases specific.Show less
