The labyrinth is a part of the ear that allows us to listen and maintain balance; when we refer to Labyrinthitis, it is an irritation or inflammation that occurs in this area, preventing the brain from receiving signals, which can cause a loss in balance, vertigo or a decrease in hearing. Contrary to popular belief, it is less common for an ear infection to trigger this condition. At FastlyHealwe, explain the symptoms, causes, and treatment of Labyrinthitis.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Labyrinthitis
Vertigo is the most common symptom of Labyrinthitis, and other signs usually occur suddenly, such as:
- Rapid and abnormal eye movement.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Ringing in the ear
- Inability to hear in one or both ears.
- Dizziness
- Cold and sweaty skin
Causes of Labyrinthitis
Viruses or bacteria cause Labyrinthitis; the flu could trigger this condition, as well as respiratory diseases. But some factors increase the risk of suffering from this inflammation in the ear :
- Alcoholism
- Stress
- Have allergies
- Smoking
- Having had a head injury.
- The use of medications such as aspirin or antibiotics.
- Tumors in the ear
- Problems with blood flow
Diagnosis of Labyrinthitis
In addition to presenting the symptoms described above, Labyrinthitis can be diagnosed by an otolaryngologist through some of the following tests:
- Audiometry: This will determine if your hearing has been affected. So you will be fitted with headphones in which you will hear a sound, and you must indicate that you have listened to it.
- Tomography (CT): this can indicate the cause of the Labyrinthitis; it is possible that before the exam, you will be given a contrast dye intravenously to make the image clearer. If you are allergic to this substance or have kidney disease or diabetes, you should inform your doctor.
- Electronystagmography: This test involves heating and cooling the inner ear, either with water or air, to check your eye reflexes and examine balance problems. It is important not to eat heavy meals or alcohol before this test.
Treatment for Labyrinthitis
This condition disappears after a couple of weeks, and the prescribed medications will be to control dizziness and other symptoms. The doctor may suggest an antihistamine if what has caused the Labyrinthitis is an allergy, antivirals, drugs to control nausea, or steroids to reduce inflammation. As a last option, if the previous treatments are ineffective, there is surgery in which excess fluid will be removed through an incision in the eardrum.
Although a doctor must prescribe the treatment of Labyrinthitis, some home remedies can help reduce some symptoms:
- Ginkgo biloba: one of its most remarkable properties is its vasodilator effect, which will allow better blood flow, thus reducing dizziness and ringing in the ear, as well as reducing inflammation of the labyrinth. Prepare an infusion with a handful of dry leaves and 1 liter of water; drink it twice a day.
- Tea and cloves: Mix 1 teaspoon of yerba mate tea, one teaspoon of rosemary tea, and three cloves in a cup of boiling water. Let stand covered and drink it once a day. The antibacterial properties of these three ingredients will strengthen your immune system.
- Ginger: it is a natural remedy par excellence, and it will help you reduce nausea, add one teaspoon of ground ginger to a cup of boiling water or infuse a piece of natural ginger for ten minutes. Drink it twice a day.
Other recommendations
Overcoming this condition will depend not only on proper diagnosis and treatment but on some restorative measures that help you recover:
- Rest and be still.
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol.
- Do not make sudden movements.
- During vertigo attacks, avoid bright lights, reading, or watching television.
- Relax and avoid worries.
- Drink lots of water .
- Reduce your salt intake, as this can affect the blood flow in the labyrinth.
- Eat foods like vegetables, legumes, and fruits.
- Avoid consuming refined sugar.
- Walk daily.
Once the symptoms have disappeared, it is recommended that you avoid, at least for the next week, driving, climbing, or manipulating heavy machinery.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Labyrinthitis: symptoms, causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Ear, Nose and Throat category .

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.