Suffering from labyrinthitis can adversely affect an individual’s auditory health. When the inner ear structures are inflamed, severe complications may develop, such as irreversible hearing loss and balance disturbances. While labyrinthitis can affect anyone, it is more common among individuals between the ages of 30 and 60.
What Is Labyrinthitis?
Labyrinthitis refers to the inflammation of the semicircular canals in the inner ear, called the labyrinth. The labyrinth is a complex network of fluid-filled channels that controls balance and spatial orientation. Within the labyrinth are the cochlea, which is responsible for detecting sound, and the vestibular system, which detects head movement and helps with balance.
Inflammation or irritation within the labyrinth can disrupt the transmission of signals to the brain. This disruption manifests as a range of symptoms affecting both balance and hearing. The severity and duration of labyrinthitis can vary significantly among individuals. Symptoms can range from mild and short-lived to severe and prolonged in rare cases.
Common Causes of Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Viral Infections: Labyrinthitis commonly develops from viral infections (viral labyrinthitis) affecting the upper respiratory tract, such as common colds or flu, as well as other viral diseases, such as hepatitis, herpes, measles, and mumps.
- Bacterial Infections: While less common, labyrinthitis may occur from a bacterial infection (bacterial labyrinthitis) like those associated with middle ear infections or meningitis. This form of labyrinthitis is generally more severe than viral labyrinthitis.
- Underlying Conditions or Allergies: Autoimmune conditions, traumatic head injuries, acute allergic reactions, and respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis can all contribute to or exacerbate inflammation within the delicate structures of the inner ear.
What Are the Symptoms of Labyrinthitis?
The symptoms of labyrinthitis may appear suddenly and without warning and can last for several days. They typically resolve on their own, but some episodes may recur during sudden head movements or position changes. Labyrinthitis symptoms can be categorised into:
- Hearing-Related Symptoms:
- Sudden or progressive hearing loss (mostly unilateral)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Balance-Related Symptoms:
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- Dizziness and nausea
- Other Accompanying Symptoms:
- Ear pain or pressure
- Blurred vision and difficulty focusing
What Is the Connection Between Labyrinthitis and Hearing Loss?
Labyrinthitis is directly linked to hearing loss as the swelling within the inner ear structures affects both the vestibular system (balance) and the cochlear system (hearing). When the labyrinth becomes infected and swollen, it can lead to hearing impairment and balance disturbances, such as a sensation of spinning or unsteadiness (vertigo).
Labyrinthitis may occur as a single episode but rarely progresses into a chronic condition. In the first few days, individuals may experience significant discomfort and disorientation. Fortunately, most people recover quickly from dizziness and balance issues within several days to weeks.
If labyrinthitis goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can result in complications like:
- Long-term hearing impairment
- Prolonged bouts of vertigo
- Scarring of the cochlear tissues
- Irreversible damage to hair cells
- Alterations in the structure of the inner ear
How Is Labyrinthitis Diagnosed?
An ENT specialist begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, asking about their symptoms and their onset, as well as any recent infections or illnesses they may have experienced. Following this, the ENT specialist conducts a comprehensive physical (otoscopic) examination to inspect the outer ear canal and eardrum for signs of infection or abnormalities.
Subsequently, the specialist may perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions with similar presentations like Meniere’s disease or stroke. These diagnostic tests include:
- Hearing Tests (Audiometry): In-clinic hearing tests assess an individual’s ability to perceive sounds at different pitch and loudness levels within a controlled environment.
- Balance Assessments: The doctor may perform an electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG) to monitor eye movement and identify the underlying cause of a balance disorder.
- Imaging Tests: An MRI scan may be ordered to examine the inner ear structures to identify problems such as tumours. Additionally, a CT scan can help visualise conditions such as fractured or thinning bone near the inner ear.
What Are the Treatment Options for Labyrinthitis?
Treating labyrinthitis involves several approaches based on its underlying cause, the severity of the symptoms, and the patient’s overall health status. Some strategies to address labyrinthitis include:
- Medical Management: Doctors typically prescribe medications depending on the specific symptoms present, such as:
- Antiviral drugs if a virus is responsible for labyrinthitis
- Targeted antibiotic treatment if a bacterial infection is causing labyrinthitis
- Corticosteroids to relieve discomfort and swelling in the inner ear
- Vestibular suppressants or antihistamines to control vertigo and nausea
- Hearing Rehabilitation: Should symptoms persist for an extended period (several months), the doctor may need to evaluate the patient for signs of permanent hearing impairment. Based on this assessment, they can recommend hearing aids for long-term hearing loss or cochlear implants for severe cases.
- Physiotherapy: Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised form of physiotherapy designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness. This approach involves simple head movements, gaze stabilisation exercises, and balance training to manage vestibular imbalance effectively.
Although quite troublesome, labyrinthitis is often a manageable inner ear condition. By seeking timely medical attention from an experienced ENT specialist and following their prescribed treatment plans, you can alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
Take action towards better hearing health today. For professional care, contact our clinic at 6738 1616 .
