AbstractThe microchemical analysis of human inner ear fluid has not only advanced our knowledge of inner ear function in normal and pathological states, but also has added another dimension to our diagnostic armamentarium in inner ear disease. The purpose of this thesis is1To review and evaluate all pertinent literature concerning the chemistry of human inner ear fluids.2To determine what percentage of inner ear fluids can be collected without contamination by hemolyzed cells (hemoglobin) or erythrocytes.3To study the glucose concentrations in human inner ear fluid in various pathological states.4To present the data from uncontaminated endolymph samples in Ménière's disease.5To study the correlation between the clinical picture of acoustic neurinoma and the results of inner ear fluid analysis.6To evaluate the present status of diagnostic labyrinthotomy (labyrinthine tap