The patency of the cochlear aqueduct is a key factor in intra-cochlear hydromechanics. If patent, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides the reference pressure for the perilymph and also to a large extent the endolymph, since Reissner's membrane can only withstand a relatively small pressure differential. The aqueduct often becomes sealed as a natural process of ageing. In this instance the reference pressure is from a source, its position unknown, within the boundaries of the cochlea itself. Relatively large and rapid changes in the cerebrospinal fluid pressure may result from everyday events such as coughing (ca. 175 mm saline) and sneezing (ca. 250 mm saline). The resistive nature of the cochlear aqueduct and the mechanical compliance of the cochlear windows are probably important factors in limiting the amount of stress, and therefore possible damage, which may occur to the cochlea and cochlear windows for a given pressure change within the CSF system. A narrow aqueduct and compliant cochlear windows reduce the risk of structural damage. In practice, this should mean that the risk of structural damage will be increased by any process which reduces the compliance of one or both of the cochlear windows, for example, extremes of middle ear pressure perhaps brought about by Eustachian tube dysfunction or rapid barometric pressure changes. Techniques are now available which provide non-invasive indirect measures of perilymphatic pressure and CSF-perilymphatic pressure transfer. The tympanic membrane displacement measurement technique has been used to provide reliable measures of perilymphatic pressure and CSF-perilymphatic pressure transfer on an individual subject basis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)