Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the outer ear?

The outer ear has several primary functions, including protection of the delicate structures within the middle and inner ears, aiding in sound localization, and providing amplification to certain sound frequencies. Specifically, the outer ear acts as a funnel, capturing sound waves and directing them into the ear canal, where they can then be processed.

When we consider the function of amplifying sounds, the outer ear primarily enhances certain high-frequency sounds rather than low-frequency ones. This is due to the design of the auricle (the visible part of the outer ear), which is particularly effective at capturing and enhancing higher frequency sounds that are critical for understanding speech and other important auditory signals.

Thus, while the outer ear does amplify sounds, it is not specifically designed to amplify low-frequency sounds. Instead, it is more efficient at providing a boost to high-frequency sounds, which is crucial for how humans perceive and interpret auditory information. This understanding highlights why amplification of low-frequency sounds does not fall under the primary functions of the outer ear.