Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection.
It causes a delicate structure deep inside your ear called the labyrinth to become inflamed, which affects your hearing and balance.
Symptoms of labyrinthitis
The most common symptoms of labyrinthitis are:
- feeling that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning (vertigo)
- feeling or being sick
- some hearing loss
These symptoms can vary in severity, with some people feeling that they can't stand upright.
Other symptoms of labyrinthitis may include:
- mild headaches
- ringing or humming in your ear(s) (tinnitus)
- fluid or pus leaking out of your ear(s)
- ear pain
- changes in vision, such as blurred vision or double vision
The symptoms of labyrinthitis can be quite severe during the first week, but usually get better after a few weeks.
In some cases the symptoms can last longer and have a significant impact on your quality of life and ability to carry out everyday tasks.