Ear Canal Anatomy and Activity

ABSTRACT

The outer ear, the working environment for audiologists and earmolds alike, is described anatomically and with a special emphasis on its inherent activity. The activity follows from the mechanism of action of the condyle of the mandible pulling and pushing on the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal when there is jaw movement. Magnetic resonance imaging and laser scanned ear canal impression data are presented to support this view of activity and to give perspective to barriers to trouble-free physical fitting of earmolds.

KEYWORDS

Ear canal - jaw movement - canal activity - physical fit - ear anatomy

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