Cochlear fluid balance. A clinical/research overview.

Stria edema, and in some cases atrophy, follows osmotic agents, loop-inhibiting diuretics, acoustic trauma, and rupture of Reissner's membrane. All have in common an imbalance of fluid and electrolytes in the cochlear duct. The glycerol test causes temporary improvement in hearing in Menière's disease. Glycerol causes stria edema and collapse of Reissner's membrane in the chinchilla. Stria edema, as well as stria atrophy, are found in Menière's disease. Metabolic manipulation of the stria might be that the best approach in the search for successful treatment of Menière's disease.