The angle between the axis of the ear and the bridge of the nose was measured in 46 normal subjects as being 14.9 degrees. This was a statistically significant difference (p less than 0.00001) from being parallel--the orientation recommended in the literature for placement of a reconstructed ear. Observers asked to choose the most aesthetically pleasing ear orientation from a group of four possibilities overwhelmingly chose an orientation with the helix more anterior than the parallel one. Recommendations are given for placement of a reconstructed ear.