High-frequency plane waves in the ear canal: application of a simple asymptotic theory.

An asymptotic theory describing the propagation of plane waves in a variable cross-section ear canal is combined with pressure measurements in order to determine the energy reflection coefficient at the eardrum and the standing wave patterns along the length of the canal. The relative phase of the reflected wave, and the cross-sectional area function of the ear canal, are also determined from the noninvasive pressure measurements. The theory is based on a high-frequency multiscale solution of the one-dimensional horn equation and is shown to agree well with the phase and amplitude of experimental measurements in human replica ear canals.