Understanding labyrinthitis: causes, symptoms & recovery

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear condition that affects both balance and hearing. It occurs when the delicate structures deep inside the ear, known as the labyrinth, become inflamed. This inflammation disrupts signals sent to the brain, causing dizziness, spinning sensations (vertigo), and sometimes temporary hearing loss.

At Leightons, we understand how unsettling sudden dizziness or hearing changes can be. The good news? Most people recover fully with time and the right care. Our audiologists are here to help you understand your symptoms, assess your hearing, and provide guidance on your next steps.

What is labyrinthitis?

The labyrinth is a part of your inner ear responsible for hearing and balance. It contains two main parts:

  • The cochlea, which helps with hearing.
  • The vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial awareness.

When the labyrinth becomes inflamed, conflicting signals reach the brain, leading to dizziness and imbalance. Labyrinthitis can affect one or both ears and may cause short-term hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

What causes labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis is often caused by an infection, most commonly viral, that spreads to the inner ear. Common causes and triggers include:

  • Viral infections, such as cold, flu, or upper respiratory infections
  • Bacterial infections, which are less common but can be more severe
  • Middle ear infections that spread to the inner ear
  • Sinus infections or congestion
  • Occasionally, stress or fatigue, which can slow recovery

It’s important to note that labyrinthitis itself isn’t contagious - but the viruses that cause it can be. Maintaining good general health and hygiene can help lower your risk.

Common symptoms of labyrinthitis

Symptoms of labyrinthitis can develop suddenly, sometimes appearing within hours. They may range from mild dizziness to more intense vertigo and hearing changes. The most common symptoms include:

  • Vertigo - a spinning or swaying sensation
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Temporary hearing loss, usually in one ear
  • Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing)
  • Ear pain or pressure (in some cases)

These symptoms can be intense at first, but they usually improve within a few days. Full recovery can take several weeks, depending on the cause and individual health.

How is labyrinthitis diagnosed and treated?

If you’re experiencing persistent dizziness or hearing changes, it’s important to seek medical advice. A GP or ENT specialist will usually diagnose labyrinthitis after reviewing your symptoms and checking your ear health.

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery:

  • Medication may be prescribed to reduce dizziness, nausea, or inflammation.
  • Antibiotics can be used if a bacterial infection is suspected.
  • Rest and hydration are essential for recovery.
  • Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) may help if balance problems persist.

Most people recover completely within a few weeks, but some may experience ongoing balance issues or mild tinnitus for a little longer.

Recovering from labyrinthitis

During recovery, it’s normal to feel unsteady or sensitive to movement. Some simple steps can help you manage symptoms and get back to normal:

  • Move slowly and avoid sudden position changes.
  • Try to stay active with gentle movement once dizziness eases - this helps retrain your balance system.
  • Avoid driving or operating machinery until vertigo has fully resolved.
  • Get enough rest and stay hydrated to support your body’s healing process.

If you continue to experience dizziness or hearing changes after a few weeks, a free hearing test or ear health check can help identify any lasting effects.

How Leightons can help

At Leightons, we provide expert hearing assessments and ear health checks to identify any lingering hearing or balance issues following labyrinthitis. Our audiologists can:

  • Assess your hearing and ear health in a safe, professional environment.
  • Identify whether hearing loss or tinnitus has developed as a result of labyrinthitis.
  • Refer you to a GP or ENT specialist if further medical care is needed.
  • Offer advice on protecting your hearing and managing ear-related balance problems.

Our goal is to help you feel confident, stable, and supported as you recover from your symptoms.

Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step towards better balance and clearer hearing.

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Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious ear infection that affects the mastoid bone, which sits just behind the ear. It usually develops when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Although it sounds alarming, mastoiditis can be successfully treated with prompt medical care. At Leightons, we understand that ear pain and swelling can be worrying. Our audiologists are here to check your ear health, explain what’s happening, and help guide you to the right care if an infection is suspected. What is mastoiditis? The mastoid bone is part of your skull and contains small air-filled spaces that help drain the middle ear. When bacteria from an untreated or severe ear infection spread to this bone, it can become inflamed and filled with infected fluid. This condition is known as mastoiditis. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, damage to nearby structures - which is why early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential. What causes mastoiditis? Mastoiditis most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection that hasn’t fully cleared. When bacteria remain trapped in the middle ear, they can spread into the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and infection. Common causes and contributing factors include: Untreated or chronic ear infections Bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear Recurrent infections weakening ear tissues Poor ear drainage due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Mastoiditis can occur at any age but is more common in children, as their ear structures are still developing. Common symptoms of mastoiditis Mastoiditis symptoms can appear suddenly and may follow an ear infection that hasn’t fully resolved. Common signs include: Severe, persistent ear pain Swelling or redness behind the ear Ear discharge (sometimes thick or pus-like) Fever and feeling unwell Hearing loss in the affected ear Headache or dizziness In some cases, the ear may appear pushed forward due to swelling behind it. Because mastoiditis can worsen quickly, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms. How is mastoiditis diagnosed? A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose mastoiditis by examining the ear and checking for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. Tests may include: Otoscopy: Looking inside the ear to assess infection Hearing test (audiogram): Checking if hearing has been affected CT scan: To confirm if the infection has spread to the mastoid bone Blood tests: To detect signs of infection Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and prevents complications. Treatment for mastoiditis Treatment aims to remove the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread. Depending on the severity, this may involve: Antibiotics: Usually given intravenously (via a drip) to control the infection Ear drainage: A small procedure to remove infected fluid or pus Surgery (mastoidectomy): In more serious cases, part of the infected bone may be removed to stop the infection from spreading With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and experience no long-term hearing damage. Preventing mastoiditis The best way to prevent mastoiditis is by treating ear infections early and avoiding irritation to the ear canal. Simple steps include: Seek medical advice for any ear infection that lasts more than a few days Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming Attend regular ear health checks to monitor your ear condition if you’re prone to infections By managing ear health proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like mastoiditis. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to help identify infections early and support your recovery after treatment. Our audiologists can: Examine your ears safely for signs of infection or inflammation Carry out hearing tests to check for any hearing changes Refer you to an ENT specialist for medical treatment if necessary Offer aftercare and follow-up checks to monitor your ear health after recovery We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, protect your hearing, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.
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