The toad isn't just leaning his head, but the entire back as well, presenting the largest silhouette possible towards the "threat". The toads almost always seem to be flattening/puffing up, too. All of this makes them look larger, and hopefully, more threatening. A lot of the captive ones on Youtube seem to be less... well, scared, but I have to wonder if they're lowering their head to protect the ear, rather than get your attention at an "itchy spot".
Not to beat a dead horse with this reply, but yeah, every bit of what they do seems to suggest a defensive posture. It does look cute, I admit, but it's kind of depressing when you realize they're probably just scared. I hadn't considered things from the membrane vibration perspective, but I'd bet you're right. The odds of enjoying having your eardrum smashed against seems... low.





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