On the Relationship Between Meniere's Disease and Endolymphatic Hydrops

The relationship between Meniere's disease and endolymphatic hydrops is ambiguous. On the one hand, the existence of cases of endolymphatic hydrops lacking the classic symptoms of Meniere's disease has prompted the assertion that endolymphatic hydrops alone is insufficient to cause symptoms and drives the hypothesis that endolymphatic hydrops is a mere epiphenomenon. Yet, on the other hand, there is considerable evidence suggesting a relationship between the mechanical pressure effects of endolymphatic hydrops and resultant disordered auditory physiology and symptomatology. A critical appraisal of this topic is undertaken, including a review of key histopathologic data chiefly responsible for the epiphenomenon hypothesis. Overall, a case is made that A) the preponderance of available evidence suggests endolymphatic hydrops is likely responsible for some of the auditory symptoms of Meniere's disease, particularly those that can be modulated by mechanical manipulation of the basilar membrane and cochlear microphonic; B) Meniere's disease can be reasonably considered part of a larger spectrum of hydropic inner ear disease that also includes some cases that lack vertigo. C) The relationship with endolymphatic hydrops sufficiently robust to consider its presence a hallmark defining feature of Meniere's disease and a sensible target for diagnostic detection.