Hello

My name is Craig Davidson, and I have been a member of the L-W-O Community support group since December 2016.

I posed this question in the support group.

Who has heard of Endolymph & Perilymph?

Craig's Story

“Generally, as far as I can remember there has been some form of ringing in my ear. Since an allergic reaction to Penicillin back in 2017. I have had swelling under the chin the lymph nodes feel solid and since then the neck has got worse along with the discomfort in the ears, eyes, and head. I decided to go to one of the high street hearing test centres. The audiologist looked at my ears with a camera and showed me that the ear itself was fine. The audiologist was nice enough to explain to me the working of the inner ear and recalled that the fluids in our ears ended in ‘lymph’. After a little bit of researching, I have found out that the lymphatic system serves a key role in our ears”.

Craig then added the following. “This is purely my own thought but since they cannot explain what is going on, then it can only be down to the lymphatics. My argument is we have three stages of lymphoedema, birth – adolescence – and 30ish plus. These symptoms started after 35 with a drug that I have never had an issue with before.”

Written by Craig Davidson

When I read Craig's question, I must admit I hadn't heard of endolymph or perilymph, and although Craig had done quite a bit of research, I was intrigued and followed up on his work.

Although the lymphatic system touches every part of our anatomy, it’s still unfamiliar territory for many of us. That’s why we’re here: to gently lift the veil and make sense of it all in everyday language.

Our goal is to demystify the role of these two vital fluids, blood and lymph, without medical jargon, just simple, relatable explanations. So let’s take a closer look at what they are, how they work, and why they matter to our overall wellbeing.

Gaynor

Exploring Endolymph and Perilymph

When I was first introduced to the inner workings of the ear by Craig, I was amazed at how something so small could be so complex. The ear is not just about hearing sounds; it’s a delicate system that helps us balance and navigate the world. Two key players in this system are the fluids inside the inner ear. These fluids are called endolymph and perilymph, and they play crucial roles in how we hear and maintain balance. Today, I want to take you on a journey through these fascinating inner ear fluid types, breaking down what they are, why they matter, and how you can remember the difference between them.

Understanding Inner Ear Fluid Types

The ears are part of the body’s intricate network of blood vessels and lymphatics. Within the inner ear, two special fluids, endolymph and perilymph, play a vital role. These fluids fill separate compartments of the cochlea and vestibular system, each contributing to how we hear and maintain balance.

Endolymph and perilymph help carry sound waves through the inner ear, allowing them to reach tiny hair cells that convert these vibrations into signals the brain can understand. It’s a beautifully coordinated process, one that lets us hear the world around us and stay steady on our feet.

Endolymph is a thick, potassium-rich fluid found inside the membranous labyrinth. This labyrinth is a series of interconnected tubes and sacs that include the cochlear duct and the semicircular canals.
Perilymph is a more watery fluid, similar to cerebrospinal fluid, that fills the space between the membranous labyrinth and the bony labyrinth surrounding it.

Both fluids work together but have different compositions and functions. The endolymph bathes the sensory hair cells responsible for detecting sound and movement, while the perilymph cushions and protects these delicate structures.

If you’ve ever experienced dizziness or ringing in your ears, it might be related to imbalances or issues with these fluids. Understanding them can help you appreciate how your body manages such complex tasks every day.

Have you ever wondered when you spin around why you feel dizzy or fall down.

Who remembers as a child spinning around?

"You know that dizzy feeling you get after spinning around? That’s because even after you stop, your brain still thinks you’re moving. It’s all down to this fluid in your inner ear called endolymph; it keeps swirling for a bit, tricking your brain into thinking your head’s still spinning. Once the fluid settles, the signals stop, and your brain finally catches up and realises, ‘Oh, we've stopped moving."

When you begin to move the endolymph in the opposite direction, the two effects of motion should cancel one another out.

Astronauts, when they feel disorientation – that funny sensation when your car hits a dip in the road – and being on a roller coaster at the funfair, or scuba divers might experience dizziness or disorientation.

Practical Tips for Ear Health and Fluid Balance

Now that you know about these inner ear fluid types, you might be wondering how to keep your ears healthy and your balance sharp. Here are some practical tips that I’ve found useful:

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration helps maintain fluid balance throughout your body, including your ears. Drinking enough water daily supports the natural flow of endolymph and perilymph.
Manage Stress

Stress can affect your body’s fluid regulation. Practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle yoga can help reduce dizziness or ear-related discomfort.
Avoid Sudden Head Movements

Quick or jerky movements can disrupt the fluid in your inner ear, causing dizziness. Move slowly and steadily, especially if you feel off-balance.
Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises

Loud sounds can damage the hair cells in the cochlea, affecting how the fluids interact with these cells. Use ear protection in noisy environments.
Consult a Specialist if You Experience Symptoms

If you notice persistent ringing, dizziness, or hearing loss, it’s important to seek medical advice. These symptoms can sometimes be linked to fluid imbalances in the ear.

Do take good care of your ears and remember they need a break too from:

Loud music, whether at a concert or in the privacy of your own home
From the TV, radio, or other music devices
Working with noisy tools or background noises
Wear earmuffs when you can
Do not use cotton buds
Speak to your Pharmacist about solutions to remove earwax.

Earwax build-up read more here NHS:

Remember, the ear’s fluid system is a perfect example of how our bodies rely on balance and harmony to function well. Whether you’re dealing with lymphoedema or just curious about your health, knowing about these fluids can give you a new appreciation for the tiny wonders inside your ears.

I hope this exploration of inner ear fluid types has been helpful and engaging. Next time you hear a sound or keep your balance, you’ll know a little more about the amazing fluids working behind the scenes. Stay curious and take good care of yourself!