Text: The External Meatus is undoubtedly functional in conducting sounds, its closure wll instantly prove this. Its curved course proves that the vibrations must reach the tympanum after manifold reflection from its walls and not directly. It serves to conduct vibrations without dispersion to the tympanic membranes. The columns of air which it contains increases the strength of the vibrations which reach it, and by lengthening the tube of the meatus by adding a tube externally, and thus lengthening the column of air, the sounds are much increased in intensity. Its walls must conduct vibration to the membrane of the tympanum, but this function is so inconsiderable that we may practically neglect it.

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Source: 125