What is an inner ear infection?
![The sensation that the world around you is spinning is called vertigo while infection of the inner ear may cause labyrinthitis. The type of vertigo that is associated with an inner ear infection is called peripheral vertigo.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/doctor-physician-checking-ear-infection-hearing-eardrum.jpg?output-quality=75)
The sensation that the world around you is spinning is called vertigo. Vertigo alone is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of something else going on in your inner ear.
Because both vertigo and inner ear infections affect the inner ear, you may be wondering, "can an inner ear infection cause vertigo?" If so, read on to find out.
The inner ear has fluid-filled tubes and sacs that are together called the labyrinth. Sound is processed in this area of your ear as well as information about spatial changes and the motion of your body and surroundings. When the information from your inner ear is sent to the brain, it helps you find your balance.
When any part of the inner ear becomes infected, it can be irritating and lead to inner ear inflammation. The labyrinth and inner ear system may not work properly in this case, and you might lose some of your hearing. Because the labyrinth is often the part infected and inflamed during an inner ear infection, these infections are sometimes referred to as labyrinthitis.
During labyrinthitis, the vestibulocochlear nerve, also known as the eighth cranial nerve, can also get inflamed. Inflammation in your inner ear can cause hearing loss and make you feel like you're spinning. When people have this kind of inflammation, the symptoms usually go away on their own over time.
What are the symptoms of an inner ear infection?
There are several symptoms of labyrinthitis. They include:
- The feeling of being ill
- Hearing loss
- Ringing in your ears
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Feeling off-balance and being unable to stand or walk straight
These symptoms can begin all of a sudden. They may also start in the morning and get progressively worse throughout the day. The symptoms usually go away in a few days. Your balance might take a few weeks or longer to come back.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a symptom of something else happening in your ears — not a condition in itself. It's the physical sensation that everything around you is spinning. It can make you feel like you're wobbling only slightly, or it can get so uncomfortable that you're unable to keep your balance and complete everyday tasks.
A vertigo attack can last just a few seconds, or it can last for a longer period. It can develop suddenly or creep up on you over time. If your vertigo is severe, it can last for several days and make day-to-day tasks challenging.
What are the symptoms of vertigo?
Both vertigo and dizziness are balance problems, and they're sometimes referred to interchangeably. But dizziness is more of a feeling of being off-balance, whereas vertigo gives you the sensation that either you're spinning or everything around you is spinning. Because vertigo is just a symptom itself, you may get it with some other related symptoms, such as:
- Tinnitus
- Headaches
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Nausea and vomiting
- Motion sickness
- Nystagmus (when your eyes move back and forth rapidly)
Can an inner ear infection cause vertigo?
When your inner ear gets infected, it causes the message relay system between your ear and your brain to stop working properly. And when the brain can't properly match information from the normal nerves in your ear to the information from the infected one, you can get vertigo.
There are two different types of vertigo:
- Peripheral vertigo. This is the type of vertigo associated with inner ear infections.
- Central vertigo. This type is due to a brain problem of some sort. This can include a tumor, infection, stroke, or traumatic brain injury.
Some inner ear infections cause dizziness, but they can cause vertigo too.
Can anything else cause vertigo?
Several other conditions can cause a vertigo attack. These include:
- Medications
- Migraine headaches
- Arrhythmia
- Diabetes
- Head injures
- Stroke
- Shingles near your ear
- Extended bed rest
- Ear surgery
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Hyperventilation
- Brain disease
- Acoustic neuroma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Otosclerosis
What causes inner ear infections?
The following viruses have been known to cause inner ear infections:
Although it's more common in children, bacteria can also infect the ear. Such bacterial infections usually start in the middle ear and spread to the inner ear. Middle ear infections that last for a long time can cause other illnesses. Sometimes — in rare cases — they can lead to bacterial meningitis.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/quiz/ear-infection/ear-infection-s1.jpg)
QUESTION
Ear infection or acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. See AnswerHow is an inner ear infection treated?
As with any illness, your treatment will depend on your health, age, and symptoms. The severity of the infection will also play a role. Clinical treatment of labyrinthitis can include:
- Antiviral medications
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Medicines that relieve nausea and dizziness
If your symptoms are gone in a few weeks, your treatment should be finished. If the symptoms don't go away, your doctor may suggest vestibular rehabilitation exercises. These exercises are a type of physical therapy that may help your brain respond to the imbalance caused by the infection.
How is vertigo treated?
Sometimes vertigo gets better on its own without treatment. Some people, though, have many episodes over months or years. This can be caused by underlying issues like Ménière's disease.
Some types of vertigo have specific treatments, like simple head movement exercises. Some medicines like antihistamines can help when you start to get repeated episodes of vertigo. Vestibular rehabilitation training may also be recommended for vertigo because it can help with dizziness and balance issues.
Are there any home remedies that help with vertigo?
Research has not found any alternative therapies that are sure to get rid of vertigo. But some people do take herbal supplements to help with the spinning. You should always consult with your doctor before beginning any alternative therapy. Some popular natural vertigo remedies include:
Are there possible complications from inner ear infections?
Labyrinthitis doesn't usually cause long-term problems. In rare instances, it can cause permanent damage to the eighth cranial nerve. This leads to balance problems and possible total hearing loss.
It's important to see your doctor if you think you have an inner ear infection. They can help monitor your condition and make sure you receive the appropriate treatment.
Health News
- One Death, 10 Hospitalizations in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Peaches, Plums
- Charity Scams Get Active Over the Holidays: Expert Tips to Avoid Them
- Too Few Seniors Get Follow-up Care After a Serious Fall
- AI Could Predict a Nonsmoker's Risk for Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer Rates Higher in Urban vs. Rural Areas
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Cedars Sinai: "Labyrinthitis."
Cleveland Clinic: "Vertigo."
National Health Service Scotland: "Vertigo."
Nation Health Service UK: "Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis."
Top How You Know If You Have Vertigo or Ear Infection Related Articles
Ear Infections: All About Ear Conditions
What's that? I can't hear you. Maybe it's tinnitus, or impacted ear wax, or cauliflower ear (yup, that's a thing). Find out what may be ailing your ears in this slideshow.Ear Infection Slideshow
Learn about the causes and symptoms of ear infections and how they are diagnosed and treated. Read about treatments such as ear tubes and antibiotics, which could prevent future ear infections.Balance Slideshow
What is vertigo? What causes dizziness? Understand different balance disorders and symptoms such as vertigo, motion sickness, nausea, and more.Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
A middle ear infection (otitis media) can cause earache, temporary hearing loss, and pus drainage from the ear. It is most common in babies, toddlers, and young children. Learn about causes and treatment.Ear Infection Home Treatment
Infections of the outer, middle, and inner ear usually are caused by viruses. Most outer (swimmer's ear) and middle ear (otitis media) infections can be treated at home with remedies like warm compresses for ear pain relief, tea tree, ginger, or garlic oil drops.
Symptoms of an outer ear (swimmer's ear) and middle ear infection include mild to severe ear pain, pus draining from the ear, swelling and redness in the ear, and hearing problems. Middle and inner ear infections may cause fever, and balance problems. Inner ear infections also may cause nausea, vomiting, vertigo, ringing in the ear, and labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear).
Most outer and middle ear infections do not need antibiotics. Inner ear infections should be treated by a doctor specializing in ear and hearing problems.
Ear Infection Quiz
Is it possible to prevent ear infections? Take the Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Quiz to learn the risks, causes, symptoms and treatments for the common ear infection.How Do You Get Rid of an Inner Ear Infection Without Antibiotics?
What Is an Inner Ear Infection? Learn whether you need antibiotics and what other treatments can help to relieve your symptoms.How Do You Know if Your Baby Has an Ear Infection?
Baby ear infection symptoms can include signs of irritability, tugging on the ears, an unpleasant smell and discharge coming from the ears, and more. Learn all the signs here.How Long Does Dizziness Last With an Inner Ear Infection?
If an infection occurs in any part of your inner ear, irritation can occur and lead to inflammation. Dizziness due to an ear infection usually goes away within a few weeks.Inner Ear Infection
An inner ear infection or otitis interna is caused by viruses or bacteria and can occur in both adults and children. An inner ear infection can cause symptoms and signs, for example, a severe ear, dizziness, vertigo, nausea and vomiting, and vertigo. An inner ear infection also may cause inflammation of the inner ear or labyrinthitis. Inner ear infections are not contagious; however, the bacteria and viruses that cause the infection can be transmitted to other people. Good hygiene practices will help decrease the chances of the infection spreading to others. Inner ear infection symptoms and signs like ear pain and nausea may be relieved with home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Some inner ear infections will need to be treated and cured with antibiotics or prescription pain or antinausea medication.Inner Ear Infection (Labyrinthitis)
Labyrinthitis occurs when there is inflammation of the part of the ear responsible for balance and hearing), usually due to viral infections of the inner ear. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment.Vertigo Quiz
Take the quiz and find out the causes, symptoms, treatments, and ways to prevent the confusing balance disorder called vertigo.What Can Trigger Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or rocking, even when someone is at rest. Vertigo may be caused by a problem in the brain or spinal cord or a problem within in the inner ear. Head injuries, certain medications, and female gender are associated with a higher risk of vertigo. Medical history, a physical exam, and sometimes an MRI or CT scan are required to diagnose vertigo. The treatment of vertigo may include medication, special exercises to reposition loose crystals in the inner ear, or exercises designed to help the patient re-establish a sense of equilibrium. Controlling risk factors for stroke (blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and blood glucose) may decrease the risk of developing vertigo.What Are 10 Signs of Vertigo?
Vertigo is a false sense of motion that can occur while you are still or while you are moving. Feelings that you or everything around you is spinning or moving, loss of balance, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea are some of the main signs of vertigo. An inner infection is one cause of vertigo and can be viral or bacterial such as a cold or flu.What Is the Best Treatment for Vertigo?
Learn medical treatments to help ease your vertigo symptoms and speed up your recovery from vertigo.