Definition
The narrow tube-shaped passage that runs from the visible opening of the outer ear inward to the eardrum. Sound waves travel down this passage and strike the eardrum, which then transmits vibrations to the middle and inner ear.
Plain English
The small tunnel inside your ear that leads from the outside opening to the eardrum.
Context Anchor
Seen in Instrument Flying Handbook discussions of ear anatomy, especially when separating the hearing parts of the ear from the inner-ear parts that can affect a pilot’s sense of motion.
Derivation
Canal' comes from the Latin canalis, meaning a channel or pipe. It is used here in its anatomical sense — a tube-shaped passage in the body.
Why Pilots Care
Clear understanding prevents misinterpreting motion cues that lead to spatial disorientation in low-visibility conditions.
Grounding Statement
When the aircraft banks, fluid movement inside the ear canal tells the pilot the airplane is turning even if the eyes see nothing outside.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse the ear canal with the inner-ear tubes shown in balance discussions. The ear canal carries sound; the inner-ear tubes help sense turning motion.
Example Sentence 1
A blocked ear canal from a head cold can make pressure changes during descent painful.
Example Sentence 2
An infection affecting the ear canal can create false turning sensations that conflict with the attitude indicator.