My Ear Feels Full (Cochlear Hydrops)

by Dr. Christopher Chang, last modified on 12/9/11
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Introduction

Eustachian tube dysfunction, fluid collection in the middle ear, and sensorineural hearing loss are THE most common causes of ear fullness or clogged sensation in the ear.

HOWEVER, in rare situations, each of these more common causes of ear fullness ends up being not the true problem.

Rather, it is a rare condition called Cochlear Hydrops.

It is an atypical form of Meniere's Disease, but without the dizziness. Symptoms may include some or all of the following:

So what IS cochlear hydrops? No one really quiteknows the answer, but the best hypothesis is an excessive amount of fluid pressure built up WITHIN the cochlea (purple in diagram). This condition is different from the fluid in the middle ear (yellow in the diagram) that can be seen and measured.

There is no "test" that will diagnose cochlear hydrops. It is a diagnosis of exclusion which often leads to frustration for both physician and patient.

SO, how does one diagnose cochlear hydrops?

Given it is a diagnosis of exclusion (given there's no specific test for it), this is the typical scenario of how this rare and frustrating condition is diagnosed in our clinic:

As can be seen, the possibility for cochlear hydrops is not typically raised until over 2 months have passed from initial ENT consultation.

Treatment

Once it is felt that cochlear hydrops is a possibility, treatment is immediately started with dietary restrictions:

Additionally, auditory tests including ABR, ECoG, and VEMPs can be obtained which if abnormal does provide helpful information.

Depending on the response to dietary restrictions, prescription diuretics can also be tried.

Click here to see a list of ear specialists throughout the United States who may be able to help if you suffer from this problem.