Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Ears, nose and throat Labyrinthitis Labyrinthitis Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection. It causes the labyrinth inside your ear to become inflamed, affecting your hearing and balance. Labyrinthitis usually starts suddenly and can be worrying. You should seek medical advice straight away. What is the labyrinth? The labyrinth is the innermost part of the ear. It contains 2 parts: the cochlea  this sends sounds to the brain so you can hear the vestibular system  a complex set of fluid-filled tubes that affect your balance The labyrinth usually becomes inflamed either because of: a viral infection, such as a cold or flu (viral labyrinthitis) a bacterial infection, which is much less common (bacterial labyrinthitis) Symptoms of labyrinthitis The most common symptoms of labyrinthitis are: vertigo (dizziness)  the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving hearing loss (from mild to total loss of hearing) a feeling of pressure inside your ear(s) ringing or humming in your ear(s) ( tinnitus ) feeling sick (nausea) or being sick mild headaches Certain things can make the dizziness worse, including: colds or illness, or anything that makes you feel generally unwell the dark tiredness or jetlag being on your period Avoid driving, using tools and machinery, or working at heights if youre feeling dizzy. When to get medical advice Speak to your GP practice if: you have symptoms of labyrinthitis your symptoms are getting worse Diagnosing labyrinthitis Your GP may: ask about your symptoms check your medical history carry out a physical examination  you may be asked to move your head or body and they can check your ears for signs of inflammation and infection test your hearing  labyrinthitis is more likely if you have hearing loss check your eyes  if theyre flickering uncontrollably your balancing system may not be working properly Treating labyrinthitis Youll usually have already seen your GP about labyrinthitis symptoms and may have started some treatment. There are things you can also do during this time to help manage your symptoms at home. Things you can do to help your symptoms Do drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated  its best to drink little and often lie still in a dark room if you feel very dizzy lie in a comfortable position (on your side is often best) try to get enough sleep  tiredness can make symptoms worse try to reduce noise and anything that causes stress from your surroundings avoid alcohol avoid bright lights Treatments from your doctor If your symptoms are particularly severe, your GP may prescribe: prochlorperazine  can help with dizziness and sickness antiemetic  can help if youre feeling sick and vomiting corticosteroids  can help by reducing inflammation Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) A small number of people experience dizziness and vertigo for months or years. This is known as chronic labyrinthitis. Chronic labyrinthitis requires a treatment called vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) . VRT is usually supervised by a physiotherapist. You can ask your GP to refer you or you can pay for private treatment. If you see a private physiotherapist, make sure they are fully qualified and a member of a recognised body. For example, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) . Not all physiotherapists have training in VRT. You should tell them that you need this type of treatment before making an appointment. Who can get labyrinthitis? Most cases of viral labyrinthitis occur in adults aged 30 to 60 years old. Viral labyrinthitis is quite common in adults. Other types of ear infections are usually more common in children. Bacterial labyrinthitis is much less common. Younger children under 2 years old are more vulnerable to developing bacterial labyrinthitis. Vestibular neuronitis Many people diagnosed with labyrinthitis only experience the balance symptoms without hearing loss. This is known as vestibular neuronitis rather than labyrinthitis. Both names are often used to describe the same diagnosis. Source: ENT Scotland - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 28 March 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Meningitis Hearing loss Vertigo NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852