Most cases of viral labyrinthitis occur in adults aged 30 to 60 years old. Read more about the causes of labyrinthitis Who gets labyrinthitis?

a bacterial infection, which is much less common.

a viral infection, such as a cold or flu.

The labyrinth usually becomes inflamed either because of: Inflammation of the labyrinth can disrupt your hearing and sense of balance, triggering the symptoms of labyrinthitis.

the vestibular system – a complex set of fluid-filled channels that contributes to your sense of balance.

the cochlea – this relays sounds to the brain and is responsible for hearing.

The labyrinth is the innermost part of the ear. Read more about treating labyrinthitis The labyrinth This requires a more intensive type of treatment called vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). You may need to be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.Ī small number of people have persistent symptoms that last for several months, or possibly years. You may need additional medication to fight the underlying infection, although antibiotics are not often required as the cause is most commonly due to a virus.Ĭontact your GP if you do not notice any improvement after three weeks. Treatment involves a combination of bed rest and medication to help you cope better with the symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms pass within a few weeks.

You should also avoid driving, using tools and machinery, or working at heights if you're feeling dizzy. changes in vision, such as blurred vision or double visionĬertain things can make the dizziness worse, including:.a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above.fluid or pus leaking out of your ear(s).ringing or humming in your ear(s) ( tinnitus).

a feeling of pressure inside your ear(s).These symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some people feeling that they are unable to remain upright. The most common symptoms are dizziness, hearing loss (from mild to total loss of hearing) and vertigo – the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving. It causes a delicate structure deep inside your ear called the labyrinth to become inflamed, affecting your hearing and balance.

Double bed rest