Specialised mechanosensory cells in the inner ear that convert fluid movement into electrical nerve impulses. The primary sensory receptors for both hearing and vestibular function.
Medical definition
Hair cells are neuroepithelial cells found in the organ of Corti (cochlea) and in the maculae of the utricle and saccule and the cristae of the semicircular canals. Each cell bears stereocilia — stiff, hair-like projections arranged in rows of increasing height. Deflection of the stereocilia opens mechanically gated ion channels at the tips, allowing potassium from the surrounding endolymph to enter the cell and generate a receptor potential. This signal is transmitted to afferent nerve branches. Outer hair cells in the cochlea also amplify sound mechanically. Mammals, including humans, cannot regenerate cochlear hair cells once they are destroyed.
Why it matters for vertigo
Hair cell loss is the final common pathway for most forms of sensorineural hearing loss. Noise exposure, aging (presbycusis), ototoxic drugs, and viral infections all damage cochlear hair cells permanently. In the vestibular system, hair cell loss causes chronic imbalance and oscillopsia. Bilateral vestibular hair cell damage produces the characteristic oscillopsia-while-walking of bilateral vestibulopathy. In Meniere disease, endolymphatic hydrops damages both cochlear and vestibular hair cells over time, which is why the disease tends to burn out as hair cell reserves deplete.
Where I see this in clinic
Research into hair cell regeneration is ongoing, but nothing is clinically available yet.
Related terms
Medical Disclaimer: This glossary entry is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person clinical assessment. Consult Dr. Prateek Porwal directly. WhatsApp: 7393062200.
irreversible.
Sensorineural loss.
perforated drum.
Will my hearing come back?