What is labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection. It occurs when your labyrinth becomes inflamed. Your labyrinth is what controls your sense of balance and your hearing in your inner ear.

Vestibular neuritis is strongly related to labyrinthitis. The swelling of both vestibulocochlear nerve branches is known as labyrinthitis. It affects hearing as well as balance. The enlargement of one vestibulocochlear nerve branch is known as vestibular neuritis. It affects only equilibrium.

Labyrinthitis can affect anyone. But it's most common in adults between 30 and 60. And women are twice as likely to get labyrinthitis.

What are the symptoms of labyrinthitis?

Individuals with labyrinthitis might have an acute onset of the following symptoms:

• Balance problems.
• Blurred vision.
• Difficulty focusing.
• Dizziness.
• Hearing loss.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Nystagmus (abnormal eye movements).
• Ringing in your ears (tinnitus).
• Vertigo.

What is the cause of labyrinthitis?

Most cases of labyrinthitis are caused by viral infections. But it can also be caused by bacterial infections. Some of the most frequent causes of labyrinthitis include:

• Epstein-Barr virus.
• Herpes simplex.
• Stomach flu.
• Upper respiratory infections.
• A head injury less often can lead to labyrinthitis.

What are the risk factors of labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis can be caused by a cold or flu. You are also at increased risk of labyrinthitis if you are a smoker or have:

• Alcohol use disorder.
• Allergies.
• Fatigue.
• Stress.

Some medications such as antidepressants, anti-inflammatories and certain diabetes medications may also cause labyrinthitis in some individuals.

What are the complications of labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis is not generally harmful unless it is left untreated. If you don't receive proper treatment, labyrinthitis may cause hearing loss, a higher risk of falls and permanent injury to your inner ear.

Long-term hearing loss is a typical side effect for children who contract labyrinthitis as a meningitis complication. When this happens, you might be able to recover hearing with the use of a cochlear implant.

How is labyrinthitis diagnosed?

Your physician will do a physical examination and review your medical h story. Additionally, your doctor will prescribe tests to assess your hearing, balance, and other nervous system components.

What tests will be performed to diagnose labyrinthitis?

There are conditions with symptoms identical to labyrinthitis (such as vestibular neuritis or BPPV), so your medical practitioner will need to initiate these. They will do this through conducting specific tests, which may include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG).
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Vestibular testing.

How is labyrinthitis treated?

The course of treatment for labyrinthitis depends on how severe your illness is. Doctors may recommend medication, physical therapy, home remedies, or a combination of these. Surgery is used to treat labyrinthitis in very uncommon cases.

Medicines

Common medicines for labyrinthitis are:

• Corticosteroids to minimize inflammation of the nerve.
• Medicines to regulate dizziness and nausea (such as diphenhydramine or fexofenadine).
• Antibiotics (if it was caused by a bacterium).
• Antivirals (if it was caused by a virus).

Physical therapy

Your physician would probably suggest vestibular rehabilitation therapy for labyrinthitis if your symptoms don't get better in a few weeks.

Home remedies

You can also try home remedies to ease labyrinthitis symptoms:

• Apply a warm compress over your ear.
• Gargle with warm salt water to help clear your eustachian tube (a small passage that connects your throat and middle ear).
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Attempt stress management methods, such as mindfulness or meditation.
• Avoid sudden movement when a flare occurs. It's better to remain still and limit motion and bright lights.

Surgery

Sometimes, very rarely, you may require a labyrinthectomy. In this surgery, a surgeon will remove your vestibular end organs (the thin, membrane-like structures of your inner ear).

Sometimes, very rarely, you may require a labyrinthectomy. In this surgery, a surgeon will remove your vestibular end organs (the thin, membrane-like structures of your inner ear).

Can labyrinthitis be prevented?

Because labyrinthitis is typically a sign of other disorders, the best way to prevent it is to wash your hands frequently and take proper precautions during cold and flu season.

How long does labyrinthitis last?

Each person may have different symptoms of labyrinthitis and respond differently to treatment. You might not benefit as much from something that works well for someone else. Labyrinthitis can take up to six weeks to recover from. However, within a week or two, many people feel better.

If you're experiencing vertigo or balance issues, ask your doctor when it's safe to go back to work or school.

When do I need to visit my doctor?

You should call your doctor right away if you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or unsteady. They will be able to identify the reason behind your symptoms and develop a customized treatment strategy.

What do I need to ask my doctor?

If you have labyrinthitis, the following are some questions you may wish to ask your doctor:

• How can I prevent my symptoms?
• What tests will I require?
• What medicines can I use?
• Will I lose my hearing?
• What treatment do I have?

Why Choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Labyrinthitis Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers Labyrinthitis Treatment in Lucknow, India. We have experienced team of ENT specialists who provide accurate diagnosis, effective medical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and compassionate care to restore balance and hearing for patients suffering from inner ear infections and vertigo symptoms.

To Seek an Expert Consultation for Labyrinthitis Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back