Symptoms of Inner Ear Infections

Inner ear infections, also called labyrinthitis and otitis interna, occur when the inner ear canals become irritated and inflamed. This inflammation usually affects the vestibular labyrinth, which is responsible for balance. Inner ear infections typically affect only one ear.

• Inner ear infection

Symptoms

• Inner ear infections commonly cause dizziness, vertigo, nausea and unsteadiness. Patients often suffer from headaches, hearing loss or tinnitus, which is ringing noises in the ear.

Causes

• Inner ear infections are typically caused by a viral agent, such as infectious mononucleosis, the flu or a common cold. Bacterial agents occasionally trigger inflammation.

Treatment

• Doctors often prescribe antihistamines to control dizziness and nausea. Steroids or antibiotics might be prescribed if a middle ear infection is also present.

Duration

• Inner ear infection symptoms can last for several days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. Symptoms frequently recur, so patients should be careful driving and operating machinery.

Complications

• Untreated inner ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises are sometimes prescribed for patients with chronic dizziness or lack of balance.

Considerations

• On rare occasions, inner ear infections are triggered by an ear injury, head trauma, allergies or a benign tumor. Aspirin and antibiotics might also cause inner ear infection symptoms.