This information is general only and does not replace advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is labyrinthitis?
Labyrinthitis is an inner ear condition where both the balance and hearing structures become inflamed, usually due to a viral infection. It causes vertigo, hearing changes, and sometimes tinnitus (ringing in the ear).
2. What are the common symptoms?
Symptoms include sudden spinning dizziness (vertigo), nausea, vomiting, hearing loss in one ear, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Balance may be affected, making walking or standing difficult during an episode.
3. What causes labyrinthitis?
It is most commonly caused by a viral infection affecting the inner ear. Bacterial infections or complications from ear infections can also cause it, but this is less common. Sometimes it follows a cold, flu, or upper respiratory infection.
4. How is labyrinthitis diagnosed?
A GP diagnoses labyrinthitis based on your symptoms, hearing assessment, and balance examination. They may perform tuning fork or audiometry tests and assess eye movements for signs of inner ear involvement. Imaging is only needed if symptoms are severe, unusual, or persistent.
5. How is labyrinthitis treated?
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery. This may include rest, medications for vertigo, nausea, or inflammation, and sometimes antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises may help restore balance once acute symptoms settle.
6. Can labyrinthitis resolve on its own?
Yes. Viral labyrinthitis often improves within a few days to weeks, although mild balance issues or tinnitus may persist longer. Recovery is generally faster with early supportive care and gradual return to normal activity.
7. How long does recovery take?
Severe vertigo usually improves within several days. Balance may take weeks to fully recover, and hearing changes may improve gradually over a few weeks. Persistent hearing loss should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.
8. Is labyrinthitis dangerous?
Labyrinthitis itself is usually not life-threatening. However, the severe dizziness can increase fall risk. Prompt assessment is important to rule out more serious causes such as stroke or other neurological conditions.
9. What should I avoid during recovery?
Avoid driving, operating machinery, or climbing until dizziness has subsided. Limit rapid head movements or sudden changes in position during acute vertigo. Gradually increase activity as symptoms improve.
10. When should I see a GP?
See a GP if you experience severe dizziness, sudden hearing loss, persistent vertigo, severe headache, neurological symptoms (such as weakness or slurred speech), or if symptoms do not improve within a few days. Early assessment ensures appropriate treatment and prevents complications.
