Anatomy of the intertragic notch of the auricle may protect the ear canal from fluids as a built-in overflow spout at an appropriate position

Abstract

To observe the utility of the intertragic notch during rain showers, an anatomic replica of the human auricle was studied under an artificial shower system with a video recorder. During the shower, water trickled out through the intertragic notch naturally, avoiding the ear canal. This study finds one utility of the intertragic notch may be the prevention of water flowing into the ear canal during rain showers.