Text: Sounds may reach the auditory nerve either through the combination of specialized structures lying between the tympanum and the filaments of that nerve, or through the bones of the skull. In the normal state the latter road is so much less efficacious that it may be disregarded; but when the other route is obstructed or rendered impervious, it then becomes the medium of the communication of sound. That sounds do however reach the auditory nerve in health by this way, anyone may learn by closing his ears and speaking or singing. Under some circumstance the bones of the skull are the better conductors of the two; a tuning fork held between the teeth gives a distinctly audible note long after its vibrations have become inaudible through the air. Sounds are heard under water by this means.

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Source: 125