Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection. It inflames the labyrinth inside your ear, affecting your hearing and balance.
It usually starts suddenly and can be worrying, so you should seek medical advice straight away.
The labyrinth is the innermost part of the ear. It contains 2 parts:
- the cochlea, which 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 because of either:
- a viral infection, such as a cold or flu (viral labyrinthitis)
- a bacterial infection, which is much less common (bacterial labyrinthitis)
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
When to get medical advice
Speak to your GP practice if:
- you have symptoms of labyrinthitis
- your symptoms are getting worse
Diagnosis
Your GP may ask about your symptoms and check your medical history. They will usually carry out a physical examination, which may involve asking you to move your head or body while they check your ears for signs of inflammation or infection. Your hearing may also be tested, since hearing loss makes labyrinthitis more likely. Your GP may also check your eyes for uncontrolled flickering movements, as this can be a sign that your balancing system isn't working properly.
Treatment
You'll usually have already seen your GP about labyrinthitis symptoms and may have started some treatment. There are also things you can do at home during this time to help manage your symptoms.
Treatments from your doctor
If your symptoms are particularly severe, your GP may prescribe:
- prochlorperazine, which can help with dizziness and sickness
- an antiemetic, which can help if you're feeling sick and vomiting
- corticosteroids, which 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 are trained in VRT, so tell them you need this type of treatment before booking an appointment.
Who can get labyrinthitis?
Most cases of viral labyrinthitis occur in adults aged 30 to 60 years old, and 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.
Many people diagnosed with labyrinthitis experience only 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.