Inner Ear Infection

Inner ear infections occur when bacteria is present in the inner ear, or when a patient has just had the flu or a cold. Depending on the origin of the infection, antibiotics might be prescribed or medications to lessen the severity of the symptoms might be needed.

Identification

• Labyrinthitis, or an inner ear infection, is when the inner ear becomes irritated by swelling and inflammation. The infection is usually a symptom of another disease in the body such as meningitis, herpes oticus or otitis media.

Symptoms

• Vertigo is the most common symptom of an inner ear infection. Other symptoms include hearing loss, ringing in the ears, facial paralysis, or a rash.

Time Frame

• The symptoms of an inner ear infection can last up to several weeks, and the infection itself can last several weeks.

Risks

• There has never been a reported case of death from an inner ear infection, unless it is paired with sepsis or meningitis. Inner ear infections are the cause of one-third of cases with hearing loss, and deafness can result if left untreated.

Treatment

• For bacterial inner ear infections, antibiotics are prescribed, but for viral infections there is no medication. The viral infection generally leaves the body after several weeks without treatment, with medications prescribed to help with vertigo.