Understanding vestibular neuritis: causes, symptoms & recovery

Vestibular neuritis is an inner ear condition that affects your balance and can cause sudden dizziness or vertigo. It occurs when the vestibular nerve - the nerve that sends balance information from the inner ear to the brain - becomes inflamed, often after a viral infection.

Although the symptoms can feel intense at first, most people recover fully with time and the right support. At Leightons, we’re here to help you understand your symptoms, monitor your ear health, and support your recovery every step of the way.

What is vestibular neuritis?

Vestibular neuritis is caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which helps your brain interpret balance and movement. When this nerve becomes swollen, it disrupts the signals sent between your inner ear and your brain - leading to dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems.

Unlike some other inner ear conditions, vestibular neuritis typically does not affect hearing, as the cochlea (the part of the ear responsible for hearing) remains healthy. When hearing loss is present, it may instead indicate a related condition such as labyrinthitis.

What causes vestibular neuritis?

The most common cause of vestibular neuritis is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, that spreads to the inner ear. Less commonly, it can result from:

  • Bacterial infections
  • Inflammation following respiratory illness
  • Immune system reactions to infection
  • Occasionally, stress or fatigue, which may slow recovery

It’s important to remember that vestibular neuritis isn’t contagious - it’s the underlying viral infection that triggers inflammation.

Common symptoms of vestibular neuritis

Vestibular neuritis usually comes on suddenly, often within hours. Symptoms can be quite severe at first but tend to improve over time. Common signs include:

  • Sudden dizziness or vertigo (a spinning or swaying sensation)
  • Loss of balance or unsteadiness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty focusing eyes or walking straight
  • Worsening symptoms with head movement

Most people experience the most intense dizziness in the first few days, followed by gradual improvement as the brain and inner ear recalibrate.

How is vestibular neuritis diagnosed?

A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose vestibular neuritis by reviewing your symptoms and performing balance or hearing tests. Tests may include:

  • Otoscopy - to examine the ear and rule out infection
  • Hearing test (audiogram) - to check for hearing loss
  • Balance testing (VNG) - to assess how your eyes and ears coordinate
  • In some cases, MRI or CT scans to confirm diagnosis and exclude other causes

Early diagnosis helps guide recovery and ensures that other inner ear conditions are ruled out.

Treatment and recovery

There’s no specific cure for vestibular neuritis, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery. Common approaches include:

  • Medication - to control dizziness, nausea, or inflammation (antihistamines, anti-nausea medicine, or corticosteroids)
  • Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) - balance exercises designed to retrain your brain to adapt to new balance signals
  • Rest and hydration - essential during the acute phase
  • Gradual movement - gentle physical activity helps the brain relearn balance control

Most people recover within a few weeks, although mild unsteadiness can linger for longer. Early movement and balance exercises often speed up recovery.

Living with and recovering from vestibular neuritis

Recovering from vestibular neuritis can take patience. You may feel unsteady or sensitive to movement at first, but there are simple steps to support your recovery:

  • Move slowly and avoid sudden head movements
  • Use stable furniture for support while walking
  • Stay hydrated and rest as needed
  • Resume gentle activity once dizziness improves
  • Avoid driving until vertigo has completely subsided

If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, a hearing assessment can help identify any lingering effects.

How Leightons can help

At Leightons, we provide professional ear health checks and free hearing assessments to support people recovering from inner ear conditions like vestibular neuritis. Our audiologists can:

  • Examine your ears to ensure they’re healthy and infection-free
  • Perform free hearing tests to check for any related hearing changes
  • Offer referrals to ENT specialists for diagnosis and treatment
  • Provide advice on balance and hearing recovery to help you feel more confident

We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, monitor your recovery, and protect your hearing long-term.

Book your free hearing test today and take the first step toward balanced, comfortable 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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