Labyrinthitis: what it is and how to manage It
Labyrinthitis: what it is and how to manage It
2 minutes
Published 3 June 2024
Reviewed 14 April 2026
Labyrinthitis is an inner ear condition that can affect your balance and hearing, often causing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo and sometimes hearing changes. These symptoms can feel unsettling, so it's important to seek advice from a healthcare professional for the right support and treatment. If you're experiencing hearing-related symptoms, Boots Hearingcare can help with expert guidance and a free hearing test.
What is labyrinthitis?
Labyrinthitis is a condition where the inner ear becomes inflamed. This part of the ear helps control both hearing and balance, so inflammation can affect how you hear and how steady you feel.
The most common type is viral labyrinthitis, which often develops after a cold or flu. When the inner ear is affected, the brain receives mixed signals about balance, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo and sometimes hearing changes.
Labyrinthitis is closely related to vestibular neuritis, which affects the balance nerve but not hearing. While the conditions are similar, labyrinthitis usually involves both balance and hearing symptoms.
Symptoms and causes of labyrinthitis
What are the symptoms of labyrinthitis?
Labyrinthitis can affect both your balance and hearing. Symptoms can come on suddenly and may feel quite intense, especially in the early stages.
Common symptoms include:
Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
Dizziness or feeling unsteady
Hearing loss (usually in one ear)
Other symptoms may include:
Fever
Headache
Blurred or double vision
A feeling of pressure or pain in the ear
Anxiety or feeling off-balance
Symptoms can vary from person to person. For some, they improve within a few days, while others may take longer to recover.
Causes and risk factors
Labyrinthitis is usually caused by an infection that leads to inflammation in the inner ear.
Common causes include:
• Viral infections: the most common cause, often following a cold, flu or respiratory infection
• Bacterial infections: less common, but can occur as a complication of an ear infection
Labyrinthitis itself is not contagious. However, the viruses or bacteria that cause it can be spread to others.
Some factors may increase your risk, including:
Labyrinthitis
Inflammation of the inner ear affecting both balance and hearing, often caused by infection
Vestibular neuritis
Inflammation of the balance nerve, causing vertigo without hearing loss
Ménière's disease
A long-term condition causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, Tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in the ear
Labyrinthitis is most commonly seen in adults between 30 and 60, but it can affect people of any age.
If you're experiencing symptoms, it's important to seek advice from a healthcare professional, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Treatment for labyrinthitis
Treatment for labyrinthitis focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery while the inner ear heals. The right approach will depend on the cause and how severe your symptoms are.
Medical treatment
A healthcare professional may recommend medication to help manage symptoms, particularly in the early stages. This may include:
Anti-inflammatory medicines to help reduce swelling in the inner ear
Anti-sickness medication to relieve nausea and vomiting
Antihistamines to help control dizziness and vertigo
In some cases, if a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Balance rehabilitation
If balance problems continue, you may be referred for vestibular rehabilitation (a type of physiotherapy). This involves simple exercises designed to help your brain adapt to changes in balance signals and reduce dizziness over time.
These exercises can be especially helpful if symptoms last for several weeks or affect your daily activities.
Hearing support
Some people with labyrinthitis may experience symptoms such as hearing loss or Tinnitus. If this happens, a hearing specialist can assess your hearing and offer guidance on next steps.
At Boots Hearingcare, our experts can check your hearing and provide personalised advice in a supportive, professional setting.
Recovery and self-care
Most people start to feel better within a few days, although balance issues can take longer to fully settle. Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated and avoiding sudden head movements may help manage symptoms while you recover.
If your symptoms are severe, not improving, or affecting your hearing, it's important to seek medical advice for further assessment and support.
What is labyrinthitis recovery time?
Recovery time for labyrinthitis can vary. Many people start to feel better within a few days, but dizziness and balance issues can last for a few weeks. In some cases, symptoms may continue for several months as the brain adjusts. Most people make a full recovery, especially with the right support and care.
Exercises and therapies for labyrinthitis
Exercises for labyrinthitis are often part of vestibular rehabilitation therapy, a type of physiotherapy designed to help your brain adapt to changes in balance signals.
This therapy works by gently retraining your balance system, helping reduce dizziness and improve stability over time. These exercises may include:
Gaze stabilisation: focusing on a fixed point while moving your head
Balance training: simple movements to improve steadiness when standing or walking
Head movement exercises: gradually reintroducing motion to reduce sensitivity
These exercises can help speed up recovery, but it's important to follow guidance from a healthcare professional or physiotherapist to ensure they are suitable for you.
Labyrinthitis treatment at home
There are several ways to manage labyrinthitis symptoms at home while your body recovers.
Helpful steps include:
• Getting plenty of rest, especially in the early stages
• Staying hydrated
• Moving slowly and avoiding sudden head movements
• Reducing sensory triggers such as bright lights or loud environments
As symptoms begin to improve, it's usually safe to return to gentle movement, such as short walks. This can support your balance recovery.
Simple coping strategies:
• Focus on a fixed point to help steady yourself during dizziness
• Sit or lie down if you feel unsteady
What to avoid:
• Driving or operating machinery while dizzy
• Climbing heights or activities where balance is important
• Alcohol, as it can worsen symptoms
If symptoms worsen or don't improve, it's important to seek medical advice.
When to see a doctor for labyrinthitis
If you have symptoms of labyrinthitis, see a doctor to determine the cause. Symptoms can start suddenly, so early diagnosis is important. Make an appointment if your symptoms do not improve within a few days, worsen, or if you develop new symptoms.
Immediate medical attention is needed for serious symptoms like double vision, fever, fainting, or convulsions. Sudden hearing loss also requires prompt medical attention.
Does labyrinthitis come back?
Most people recover fully from labyrinthitis and do not experience it again. However, some people may notice that symptoms come and go, particularly mild dizziness when moving their head quickly.
Ongoing symptoms are often linked to the recovery process rather than a new infection. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy can help reduce these effects and improve balance over time.
If symptoms persist or return, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional for further assessment.
What's the difference between labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis and Ménière's disease?
Labyrinthitis
Inflammation of the inner ear affecting both balance and hearing, often caused by infection
Vestibular neuritis
Inflammation of the balance nerve, causing vertigo without hearing loss
Ménière's disease
A long-term condition causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, Tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in the ear
How Boots Hearingcare can help
If you're experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss, muffled hearing or Tinnitus, it's important to get your hearing checked.
At Boots Hearingcare, our experts can assess your hearing and provide personalised advice in a supportive environment. While diagnosis of conditions like labyrinthitis is carried out by a GP or specialist, we can help you understand and manage any hearing-related symptoms.
Labyrinthitis: frequently asked questions
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Boots Hearingcare
Boots Hearingcare