Labyrinthitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Labyrinthitis?
An ear, nose, and throat doctor, also called an ENT or otolaryngologist, is the main specialist for labyrinthitis. A neurologist, a doctor who treats the brain and nerves, may help check for other causes of dizziness. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is labyrinthitis?
Labyrinthitis is irritation and swelling of the inner ear. It can cause vertigo, a feeling that you are spinning, and hearing loss. Your inner ear is important for both hearing and balance. The labyrinth is a maze of fluid-filled channels in the inner ear.
A similar condition is vestibular neuritis, which is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, the nerve in the inner ear that sends messages to the brain. Vestibular neuritis does not cause hearing loss or ringing in the ears, but labyrinthitis does.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Vertigo, which is feeling like you are spinning even when you are still.
- Dizziness.
- Hearing loss in one ear.
- Loss of balance, and you may fall toward one side.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Ringing or other noises in your ears, called tinnitus.
- Eyes that move on their own, making it hard to focus.
Symptoms can start suddenly. They often ease after a few days. People with severe vertigo may become dehydrated because of frequent vomiting, which means the body does not have enough water.
Causes and who gets it
Labyrinthitis is usually caused by a virus but sometimes by bacteria. A viral infection such as a cold or flu is a common trigger. Less often, an ear infection may lead to it. Allergies and certain medicines that are bad for the inner ear can also cause it.
Things that raise the risk include drinking large amounts of alcohol, fatigue, a history of allergies, smoking, and stress. A recent cold, flu, or ear infection also raises the risk, as can some medicines, such as aspirin. There is no known way to prevent labyrinthitis.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will give you a physical exam. You may also have a nervous system exam. Tests can check for other causes of your symptoms.
These tests may include a hearing test, a CT scan of the head, or an MRI of the head. Doctors may also use electronystagmography, a test of eye reflexes, along with warming and cooling the inner ear with air or water.
Treatment
Labyrinthitis usually goes away within a few weeks. Treatment can help reduce vertigo and other symptoms. Medicines that may help include antihistamines, medicines for nausea and vomiting, medicines for dizziness, corticosteroids, and antiviral medicines.
A doctor may prescribe antihistamines, motion sickness tablets, or anti-sickness medicines for up to 3 days. Do not take them longer, because they can slow down your recovery. Antibiotics will not help a viral infection, but a doctor may prescribe them if the infection seems to be bacterial.
Physical therapy focused on balance can help some people. Vestibular rehabilitation is a series of exercises that can help restore balance. Do these exercises only with a specialist such as a physiotherapist or audiologist. If you have severe vomiting, you may be admitted to the hospital.
At home, stay still and rest, and avoid sudden movements or position changes. Do not drink alcohol, because it can make symptoms worse. Do not drive or use tools or machinery if you feel dizzy. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, and climbing for one week after symptoms disappear. Follow your provider's instructions for taking care of yourself at home.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor if you have dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, or hearing loss. Ask for an urgent appointment if you have sudden hearing loss in one ear. See a doctor if symptoms do not get better after a few days or get worse.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have convulsions, double vision, fainting, vomiting a lot, slurred speech, or weakness or paralysis. Also call 911 if vertigo comes with a fever of more than 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C).
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine you, review your medicines, and refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor or a balance therapist if needed.
Common questions
How long does labyrinthitis last?
Labyrinthitis usually goes away within a few weeks. Severe symptoms usually go away within a week, and most people are completely better within 2 to 3 months. Older adults are more likely to have dizziness that lasts longer.
Can labyrinthitis cause permanent hearing loss?
In very rare cases, yes, hearing loss from labyrinthitis is permanent.
What is the difference between labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis?
Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the labyrinth in the inner ear, and it can affect hearing. Vestibular neuritis is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, and it does not affect hearing.
Do antibiotics help labyrinthitis?
Usually not, because it is usually caused by a viral infection such as a cold or flu. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the infection seems to be bacterial.
Can labyrinthitis be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent labyrinthitis.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
