Labyrinthitis Symptoms & Treatment Options for Michigan Patients
Labyrinthitis, also called vertigo, can be a frustrating condition to deal with. Patients with labyrinthitis can experience a wide range of symptoms, including hearing loss, dizziness, nausea, and general balance issues. Even when your body is entirely still, it feels like you’re spinning or moving. Some patients’ symptoms include hearing loss, imbalance, dizziness, and nausea, which can significantly limit the ability to complete daily tasks, work, or participate in the recreational activities you enjoy.
At Hear Michigan Centers, we understand how debilitating vertigo can be and want to help you find relief for your symptoms. Below, our hearing care providers have included some important information about labyrinthitis, what causes it, what symptoms to look out for, and how it’s typically treated. Untreated labyrinthitis can put you at greater risk for permanent hearing loss and imbalance, so addressing any symptoms is essential. Contact us today to learn more about vertigo or schedule an appointment to visit one of our hearing care centers in Michigan.
What Is Vertigo?
Labyrinthitis is when the part of the inner ear called the labyrinth is inflamed. This part of your ear is comprised of fluid-filled channels that control your balance and hearing abilities. When you move your head, the fluid in these channels shifts, telling your brain which direction you’re moving and how fast and far you’re going. This information helps the body to balance. When this information gets mixed up in its route to your brain, it can make you feel dizzy, nauseous, and experience other adverse side effects.
When hearing loss isn’t occurring in combination with balance problems, it’s known as vestibular neuronitis. Both conditions are often described under the same diagnosis, but a labyrinthitis diagnosis must include the term “hearing loss.”
Common Labyrinthitis Symptoms
The symptoms of labyrinthitis can include:
- Hearing loss (usually in a high-frequency pitch range)
- It’s more difficult to understand speech
- Your ears are ringing or buzzing
- You sway to one side while walking or feel like you can’t keep your balance
- You feel like you’re spinning even when you’re stationary
- Your eyeballs twitch or jerk involuntarily, which is called nystagmus
- You’re nauseous and/or vomiting
Patients experiencing sudden and persistent vertigo or additional worsening symptoms, including slurred speech, double vision, limb weakness, or numbness, should seek immediate medical attention from their primary care physician.
What Causes Vertigo?
The most common causes of labyrinthitis include:
- Bacterial Infection – Bacteria can enter through the round windows or bone into your inner ear, which can cause sudden hearing loss, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, or involuntary eye movement. Treating bacterial labyrinthitis with antibiotics is usually effective. Still, patients should wait at least a week after their symptoms go away to drive, operate heavy machinery, or complete other tasks requiring careful dexterity.
- Viral Infection – Most cases of labyrinthitis are caused by a viral infection, most commonly the common cold or flu. Labyrinthitis caused by viral infections can cause a sudden onset of vertigo, hearing loss, nausea, and vomiting. Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses, so antiviral medications, antihistamines, and bed rest are typically recommended. Acute episodes can last up to two months, although permanent vestibular damage can sometimes remain.
- Autoimmune — Although rare, autoimmune labyrinthitis is often associated with other autoimmune disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Trauma & Surgery — Trauma of the inner ear can put you at risk for developing labyrinthitis. Whether you sustained a fracture involving the inner ear, concussion of the head and inner ear, or bleeding in the inner ear, you can experience symptoms of vertigo.
- Noncancerous Tumors – A benign tumor within your auditory system can cause hearing loss, vertigo, or labyrinthitis. Your ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist may order an MRI to rule out this condition.
- Other potential risk factors include stress, alcohol and tobacco consumption, allergies, and certain medications.
How Is Labyrinthitis Diagnosed?
Depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing, several tests can be involved to accurately diagnose labyrinthitis. In some cases, you may also be required to complete an MRI or CT scan to help your healthcare provider rule out various underlying causes.
Labyrinthitis Therapies & Treatment Options
Depending on the nature of your vertigo, your healthcare provider will recommend a treatment option they feel is suitable for the symptoms you’re experiencing. Various treatments are used to treat labyrinthitis, including:
- Observation and bed rest
- Staying hydrated
- Steroids to reduce inner ear inflammation
- Antiviral medications
- Anti-nausea medications
- Antihistamines or sedatives
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Ear tube placement
- Ear surgery (for progressive or advanced cases)
- Immune-modulating medications for autoimmune conditions
Are There Long-Term Effects of Labyrinthitis?
Most people with labyrinthitis feel normal again within a week or two. In some rare cases, patients find their dizziness remains several years after their infection is treated. It’s uncommon for complications to arise from labyrinthitis, but they can include:
- Permanent hearing loss
- Permanent tinnitus
- Permanent imbalance
Who Is Most at Risk for Developing Labyrinthitis?
Labyrinthitis can affect women and men equally at any age, although it’s rare for children to develop it.
The Importance of Addressing Your Symptoms
The first step is to rule out any medical condition or disorder contributing to your labyrinthitis. Discussing your symptoms with a primary care physician will lead to proper referrals for further testing.
Contact Us for Labyrinthitis Treatment Today
You deserve reliable and high-quality care when it comes to your hearing health. At Hear Michigan Centers, we take a comprehensive approach to finding the best individualized solutions for each patient. We’ll thoroughly examine your ears, conduct an in-depth evaluation, and consider your lifestyle and needs when deciding the next steps.
The Hear Michigan Centers team has years of experience providing comprehensive hearing care services for patients throughout Michigan. We make it easy to get expert care. Contact us today to learn more about our hearing services, or schedule an appointment to start your journey towards better hearing.
