Na+ concentrations in endolymph must be controlled to maintain hair cell function since the
transduction channels of hair cells are cation-permeable, but not K+-selective. Flooding or
fluctuations of the hair cell cytosol with Na+ would be expected to lead to cellular
dysfunction, hearing loss and vertigo. This review briefly describes cellular mechanisms
known to be responsible for Na+ homeostasis in each compartment of the inner ear,
including the cochlea, saccule, semicircular canals and endolymphatic sac. The influx of …