Question: what is the primary function of the outer ear

title: Ear
text: Sound that travels through the outer ear impacts on the eardrum , and causes it to vibrate . The three ossicles bones transmit this sound to a second window ( the oval window ) which protects the fluid - filled inner ear . In detail , the pinna of the outer ear helps to focus a sound , which impacts on the eardrum . The malleus rests on the membrane , and receives the vibration . This vibration is transmitted along the incus and stapes to the oval window . Two small muscles , the tensor tympani and stapedius , also help modulate noise . The two muscles reflexively contract to dampen excessive vibrations . Vibration of the oval window causes vibration of the endolymph within the vestibule and the cochlea . 

Answer: answer: Sound that travels through the outer ear impacts on the eardrum, and causes it to vibrate.  In detail, the pinna of the outer ear helps to focus a sound, which impacts on the eardrum.