Final answer:
A normal finding when examining the auditory canal and tympanic membrane is a shiny, translucent tympanic membrane that is firm without fluctuation with puffs of air.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining a patient's auditory canal and tympanic membrane with an otoscope, one would observe a normal finding as a shiny, translucent tympanic membrane. This indicates that the tympanic membrane is intact and free of any fluid or perforation.
A healthy tympanic membrane will appear to be firm, and without fluctuation, even with puffs of air, which suggests that there is no fluid behind the membrane that would otherwise indicate an abnormal condition such as otitis media. Neither a clear fluid lining the auditory canal, a small hole within the cone of light, nor a firm tympanic membrane with fluctuations are considered normal observations and each could indicate potential ear pathology.