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How long is the external auditory canal?

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Cross-section diagram of the human ear showing the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, with labeled parts including the auricle, auditory canal, tympanic membrane, ossicles, cochlea, semicircular canals, and nerves. — human ear Structure of the human ear.

The external auditory canal, which serves as the passageway from the auricle to the tympanic membrane, is approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. More specifically, the passage measures 24 mm in length.12

The canal is a slightly curved tube composed of cartilage in its outer third and bone in its inner two-thirds. It is lined with skin, fine hairs, and modified sweat glands that produce earwax to help protect the ear.12