In modern literature it is generally assumed that ear canals have little to no effect on the directional components of head-related transfer functions and thus, on spatial sound perception. Therefore, in most spatial audio applications today, sound propagation is only considered up to the blocked entrance of the ear canal. To challenge this assumption, a study was conducted using custom-made 3D printed replicas of a subject’s outer ears including complete ear canals with microphones embedded at the eardrum position. The replicas were mounted in a cheek simulator and set up on a rotary table in an anechoic chamber. Transfer functions from an external source to both the ear canal entrance and to the eardrum positions were measured. Measurement data were acquired for the horizontal and the frontal planes. Using these to validate simulation parameters, transfer functions from other directions were calculated through numerical simulations. The effect of the direction of arrival on ear canal transmission was estimated. Study findings are compared to and contrasted against previous studies carried out on real human ears.