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What is Labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that affects the delicate structures responsible for hearing and balance. The labyrinth is a complex system of fluid-filled channels in the inner ear, and when it becomes inflamed, it can cause significant disruption to your balance and hearing.

While labyrinthitis usually improves on its own within a few weeks, the symptoms can be distressing and impact your daily life. At Sussex Audiology Centre, we can help assess your symptoms, provide balance testing, and support your recovery with vestibular rehabilitation where appropriate.

Common Symptoms of Labyrinthitis

Vertigo and Dizziness

A spinning sensation where you feel like you or your surroundings are moving when they're not. This is often the most prominent symptom.

Balance Problems

Feeling unsteady on your feet, difficulty walking in a straight line, or finding it hard to stay upright without support.

Nausea and Vomiting

The dizziness can trigger feelings of sickness, which may be worse when you move your head or try to stand up.

Hearing Loss

Temporary or persistent reduction in hearing, typically in one ear. This is what distinguishes labyrinthitis from vestibular neuritis.

Tinnitus

Ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the affected ear that others cannot hear. This often accompanies the hearing loss.

Visual Disturbances

Difficulty focusing, blurred vision, or involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) may occur during acute episodes.

Important: Symptoms can start suddenly and may be worse when you first wake up. While they often ease after a few days, balance recovery typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, though it can take longer in some cases.

Balance assessment

Labyrinthitis vs Vestibular Neuritis

Both conditions affect the inner ear and cause similar balance symptoms, but there's an important difference:

Labyrinthitis

Inflammation of the labyrinth (the maze of fluid-filled channels in the inner ear)

  • Affects: Both balance and hearing
  • Symptoms: Vertigo, balance issues, hearing loss, and tinnitus
  • Key indicator: Hearing is affected

Vestibular Neuritis

Inflammation of the vestibular nerve (sends balance signals to the brain)

  • Affects: Balance only
  • Symptoms: Vertigo and balance issues
  • Key indicator: Hearing remains normal

If you're experiencing dizziness or balance problems along with hearing changes, labyrinthitis is the likely cause. Our comprehensive hearing and balance assessments can help identify which condition you're dealing with.

What Causes Labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis is most commonly caused by viral infections, such as colds or flu. The infection can spread to the inner ear, causing inflammation of the delicate structures responsible for balance and hearing.

Viral Infections

The most common cause. Viruses from colds, flu, or other respiratory infections can affect the inner ear.

Bacterial Infections

Less common but more serious. Bacteria from middle ear infections or meningitis can spread to the labyrinth.

Other Triggers

Allergies, stress, or certain medications may occasionally contribute to inner ear inflammation.

Treatment and Recovery

Initial Management

Most cases of labyrinthitis improve on their own within a few weeks. During the acute phase:

  • Rest in a quiet, dark room if symptoms are severe
  • Stay hydrated, especially if experiencing nausea
  • Avoid sudden head movements
  • Your GP may prescribe medication to help with symptoms

Recovery Phase

As symptoms begin to improve:

  • Gradually increase activity levels
  • Start gentle walking, initially with support if needed
  • Focus on a fixed point when moving around
  • Avoid driving until symptoms have resolved
  • Be patient – full recovery can take several weeks

Vestibular Rehabilitation

If balance problems persist beyond the initial recovery period, vestibular rehabilitation therapy can be highly effective. This specialized form of therapy uses specific exercises to help your brain compensate for the changes in your balance system.

At Sussex Audiology Centre, our audiologists are trained in vestibular assessment and can provide or refer you for appropriate rehabilitation programs tailored to your needs.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek Urgent Help If:

  • You experience sudden hearing loss in one ear
  • Symptoms are severe and not improving
  • You have a high fever or severe headache
  • You have double vision or difficulty speaking

Contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111 for advice.

Book an Appointment If:

  • Symptoms haven't improved after a few days
  • Balance problems persist beyond 6 weeks
  • Hearing loss or tinnitus continues
  • You need a comprehensive balance assessment
  • You'd like to explore vestibular rehabilitation

How Sussex Audiology Centre Can Help

Hearing therapy and rehabilitation

Comprehensive Hearing Assessment

We can evaluate any hearing loss associated with labyrinthitis and monitor your recovery over time.

Balance Testing

Our specialized balance assessments can help identify the extent of vestibular dysfunction and track improvement.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

We can provide or arrange vestibular rehabilitation therapy to help restore your balance and reduce symptoms.

Ongoing Support

We offer continued monitoring and support throughout your recovery, adjusting your treatment plan as needed.

If you're experiencing symptoms of labyrinthitis or have ongoing balance and hearing concerns, we're here to help. Our experienced audiologists can provide the assessment and support you need.

Book Your Appointment Today

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Related Services

  • Balance Testing

    Comprehensive assessment of your vestibular system to identify balance disorders and guide treatment.

    More Info

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation

    Specialized therapy to help restore balance and reduce dizziness through targeted exercises.

    More Info

  • Hearing Assessments

    Full diagnostic hearing tests to evaluate hearing loss and determine the best course of action.

    More Info

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