Labyrinthitis

General Information on Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is defined as an inflammation of the labyrinth, the fluid-filled tunnels and sacs of the inner ear. The labyrinth contains the anatomical part responsible for controlling a person’s balance and eye movement, known as the vestibular system. The labyrinth also contains the cochlea, the anatomical part of the ear responsible for controlling hearing. When the labyrinth becomes inflamed, either of these parts may become affected. Labyrinthitis may affect one or both ears. The risk of labyrinthitis dramatically increases with the presence of a middle-ear infection.

Symptoms of Labyrinthitis

Symptoms include:

Mild to severe hearing loss (in one or both ears)
Vertigo - the uncontrollable sensation the you and/or the area around you is spinning)
Loss of balance
Uncontrollable or involuntary eye movements
Nausea
Vomiting
Tinnitus - ‘ringing in the ears’
Feeling a sensation of “fullness” in one or both ears

Treatments For Labyrinthitis

After the proper diagnosis, treatment will generally include self-care, treatment of any underlying conditions (such as an ear infection), and rest. If needed, drugs may be prescribed in order to aid in the reduction and severity of symptoms. Due to the fact that labyrinthitis generally accompanies a middle-ear infection, surgical removal of cholesteatoma, an infection of fluid or debris located within the middle-ear, and drainage may be needed. If you are experiencing symptoms similar to those listed above, contact your doctor for further examination.

Personal Experience

Labyrinthitis - personal experiences