Inner Ear Fluid Balance

The fluid-filled hearing and balance structures of the inner ear normally function independently of the body's overall fluid/blood system. The fluid that bathes the sensory cells of the inner ear (known as endolymph) maintains a constant volume and contains specific and stable concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, and other electrolytes.

With injury or disease, the volume and composition of endolymph may fluctuate with changes in the body's fluid/blood. This fluctuation is thought to cause the symptoms of endolymphatic hydrops or Meniere's disease—pressure or fullness in the ears, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, dizziness, and imbalance. Thus, for people with Meniere's disease (primary idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) or secondary endolymphatic hydrops, (which may follow damage to the inner ear) maintaining stability in the body's fluid/blood system is important.