Labyrinthitis

Overview

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that causes sudden dizziness (vertigo), hearing loss, and a spinning sensation. It happens when the tiny fluid-filled tubes deep inside your ear (the labyrinth) become swollen and inflamed, usually due to a virus.

Labyrinthitis is fairly common and can affect people of any age, though it is most often seen in adults aged 30 to 60.

It can affect anyone, but it is more likely in people who have recently had a cold, flu, or other viral infection.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden, severe spinning dizziness (vertigo) that can last for hours or days
• Feeling sick or vomiting
• Loss of balance – you may feel unsteady or fall
• Hearing loss in one ear
• Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
• Difficulty focusing your eyes, especially when moving your head

Symptoms in children

• Children may have trouble describing the dizziness – they might cry or hold their head still
• They may seem unusually clumsy or have falls
• Nausea and vomiting are common

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have a higher risk of falling and injuring themselves
• Dizziness can last longer than in younger people
• Hearing loss may be more noticeable and take longer to improve

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections – such as colds, flu, or glandular fever (Epstein-Barr virus)
• Bacterial infections – less common, but can occur after a middle ear infection or meningitis
• Sometimes the exact cause is not found

Risk factors

• Recent upper respiratory infection (cold or flu)
• Weakened immune system
• Stress or fatigue
• Smoking

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
• If vertigo is so severe you cannot move or keep food down
• If you have a high fever with dizziness

Book a routine appointment if:

• If dizziness lasts more than a few days without getting better
• If you keep feeling off balance after the initial dizziness has passed
• To get a proper diagnosis and rule out other causes

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your ears, nose, and throat. They may also check your balance and eye movements.

Tests that may be done

• Hearing test (audiometry) to check for hearing loss
• Eye movement tests (such as nystagmus test) to see how your eyes move
• Sometimes a CT or MRI scan to rule out other problems like a stroke or brain tumour

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will want to know when the dizziness started, what it feels like, and if you have had any cold or flu recently. The exam is usually painless, but you may feel dizzy during some balance tests.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and helping your brain cope with changes in balance. Most people recover fully with time and self-care.

Self-care at home

• Rest in a quiet, dark room until the severe dizziness passes
• Avoid sudden head movements, bright lights, and loud noises
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from vomiting
• Use a walking stick or hold on to furniture for support when moving around
• Do not drive or operate machinery while you have vertigo

Medical treatments

A doctor may prescribe anti-sickness medication to help with nausea and vertigo, or steroids to reduce inflammation in the inner ear. These are used for a short time. If an infection is bacterial, antibiotics may be given.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is extremely rare for labyrinthitis. It may be considered if there is a serious complication like a bacterial abscess, but this is very uncommon.

Living with this condition

Labyrinthitis can be unsettling, but most people start to feel better within a week or two. During recovery, take things slowly and avoid activities that could cause a fall.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can make dizziness worse
• Get plenty of rest and try to reduce stress
• When you feel ready, gentle head and eye exercises can help your brain adapt (a physiotherapist can guide you)

Diet and exercise

Eat small, frequent meals if you feel nauseous. Avoid heavy, greasy foods. Once the acute phase passes, gentle walking and balance exercises can help your system recover.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is common to feel anxious or frustrated during episodes of dizziness. The fear of sudden vertigo can affect your daily life. Speaking with a counsellor or joining a support group can help.

Prevention

Labyrinthitis cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by avoiding viral infections. Washing your hands regularly and staying away from sick people may help.

Complications

If left untreated

• Falls and injuries (especially in older adults)
• Persistent dizziness or balance problems (can last months)
• Permanent hearing loss in the affected ear

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally very good. Most people with labyrinthitis recover fully within a few weeks – the worst symptoms often settle in a few days. Even if hearing loss or mild dizziness lingers, treatment and therapy can help you manage well.

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