![]() This is rarer than a viral infection and is likely to be more serious.īacteria can enter the labyrinth if the thin layers of tissue that separate your middle ear from your inner ear are broken. Labyrinthitis can sometimes be caused by a bacterial infection. Infections that affect the rest of the body, such as measles, mumps or glandular fever, are a less common cause of viral labyrinthitis. Viral labyrinthitisĪround half of all cases of viral labyrinthitis are thought to be caused when a viral infection of the chest, nose, mouth and airways – such as the common cold or flu – spreads to the inner ear. Inflammation can disrupt this function, leading to hearing loss. It sends sound waves to the language processing areas of the brain. The labyrinth also contains a small, spiral-shaped cavity called the cochlea. If one ear becomes infected, these signals become out of sync, which confuses your brain and triggers symptoms such as dizziness and loss of balance. The vestibular system works in a similar way to a stereo, with your left and right ears sending separate signals to your brain. This allows your body to balance properly. This fluid moves when you move your head, telling your brain how far, fast and in what direction your head is moving. The fluid-filled channels of the labyrinth are known as the vestibular system and they are connected at different angles. Labyrinthitis is caused by inflammation of part of the inner ear known as the labyrinth. However, both terms are often used to describe the same diagnosis. This is actually known as vestibular neuronitis rather than labyrinthitis. Many people diagnosed with labyrinthitis only experience the balance symptoms without hearing loss. Read more information about hearing loss Vestibular neuronitis This is not a conventional hearing aid, but a small electronic device fitted under the skin behind the ear during surgery. Severe hearing loss following bacterial labyrinthitis can sometimes be treated with a cochlear implant. Complications of labyrinthitisīacterial labyrinthitis carries a higher risk of causing permanent hearing loss, particularly in children who have developed it as a complication of meningitis.īecause of this high risk, a hearing test is recommended following bacterial labyrinthitis. Younger children under two years old are more vulnerable to developing bacterial labyrinthitis. Bacterial labyrinthitis is much less common. Other types of ear infections are usually more widespread in children. Viral labyrinthitis is relatively common in adults. Most cases of viral labyrinthitis occur in adults aged 30 to 60 years old. Read more about the causes of labyrinthitis Who gets labyrinthitis? a bacterial infection, which is much less common.a viral infection, such as a cold or flu.The labyrinth usually becomes inflamed either because of: Inflammation of the labyrinth can disrupt your hearing and sense of balance, triggering the symptoms of labyrinthitis. the vestibular system – a complex set of fluid-filled channels that contributes to your sense of balance. ![]() the cochlea – this relays sounds to the brain and is responsible for hearing.The labyrinth is the innermost part of the ear. Read more about treating labyrinthitis The labyrinth This requires a more intensive type of treatment called vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). You may need to be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.Ī small number of people have persistent symptoms that last for several months, or possibly years. You may need additional medication to fight the underlying infection, although antibiotics are not often required as the cause is most commonly due to a virus.Ĭontact your GP if you do not notice any improvement after three weeks. Treatment involves a combination of bed rest and medication to help you cope better with the symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms pass within a few weeks. You should also avoid driving, using tools and machinery, or working at heights if you're feeling dizzy. changes in vision, such as blurred vision or double visionĬertain things can make the dizziness worse, including:.a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above.fluid or pus leaking out of your ear(s).ringing or humming in your ear(s) ( tinnitus).a feeling of pressure inside your ear(s).These symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some people feeling that they are unable to remain upright. The most common symptoms are dizziness, hearing loss (from mild to total loss of hearing) and vertigo – the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving. It causes a delicate structure deep inside your ear called the labyrinth to become inflamed, affecting your hearing and balance.
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