Labyrinthitis is an inner ear condition that causes sudden vertigo, dizziness and hearing changes, often following a viral infection.
It affects both the balance system and the hearing system inside the inner ear, which is why symptoms may include vertigo alongside reduced hearing or ear fullness.
The good news: most people improve — and targeted vestibular rehabilitation can help reduce lingering dizziness and restore balance confidence.
In Short:
Labyrinthitis typically causes sudden, intense vertigo combined with hearing symptoms.
Common labyrinthitis symptoms:
• Spinning vertigo lasting hours to days (initially)
• Ongoing dizziness or rocking sensation
• Hearing reduction in one ear
• Ear fullness or pressure
• Tinnitus (ringing)
• Nausea
• Unsteadiness when walking
Often described as:
• “The room suddenly started spinning.”
• “My ear feels blocked and I’m off balance.”
• “I’m better than day one, but I still don’t feel steady.”
If you’re unsure whether it’s labyrinthitis, neuritis, BPPV, or another cause of dizziness, an assessment clarifies it.
Labyrinthitis affects both the balance and hearing systems of the inner ear.
The inflammation disrupts balance signals and may also affect hearing structures, which is why vertigo can occur alongside:
• Muffled hearing
• Ear fullness
• Tinnitus
Tip: If you have sudden hearing loss with vertigo, urgent medical review may be required — we can advise you.
Labyrinthitis is diagnosed using a combination of:
• Your symptom history
• Review of hearing symptoms
• Vestibular reflex testing
• Balance assessment
• Screening for BPPV (which can occur afterwards)
If hearing loss is significant or worsening, referral for medical review may be appropriate.
1) Detailed history
Onset pattern, hearing symptoms, nausea severity, headaches, prior episodes and functional impact.
2) Vestibular assessment
Eye movement testing and screening to confirm whether labyrinthitis is the most likely cause and rule out BPPV.
3) Balance assessment
Assessment of walking, turning and stability.
4) Posturography (if appropriate)
Objective balance testing to measure which systems are underperforming and guide rehabilitation.
Outcome: You leave knowing what’s causing the dizziness and what the recovery plan is.
While the acute inflammation settles over time, many people are left with:
• Lingering imbalance
• Visual blurring with head movement
• Motion sensitivity
• Reduced confidence in busy environments
Vestibular rehabilitation helps your brain recalibrate.
Treatment may include:
• Gaze stabilisation exercises
• Balance retraining
• Walking progression
• Habituation for motion sensitivity
• Gradual return to exercise
🚨 Recovery is not just about “waiting it out.”
Targeted rehabilitation helps speed compensation and reduce persistent symptoms.
Most people notice improvement:
• after the initial severe phase settles (days)
• gradually over several weeks
• faster when structured rehab is started
Lingering symptoms beyond a few weeks are common — and very treatable.
This depends on:
• Severity of the initial episode
• Presence of hearing symptoms
• Duration of ongoing imbalance
• Whether movement avoidance has developed
Some people need only short-term support.
Others benefit from a structured programme over several weeks
Some exercises may briefly increase symptoms as your system adapts.
This is normal and carefully progressed.
We guide you on what’s expected and what isn’t.
Seek urgent medical assessment if dizziness comes with:
• sudden hearing loss
• facial droop or weakness
• speech problems or confusion
• sudden numbness
• severe sudden headache
• chest pain, collapse or fainting
• new double vision
If your vertigo started suddenly and included hearing changes, labyrinthitis may be the cause — and structured rehab can help restore stability.
✅ In-person vestibular assessment
✅ Clear diagnosis
✅ Targeted rehabilitation
✅ Plan you can trust
Most cases improve over time, but hearing changes should be medically reviewed.
Many cases improve, but persistent or worsening hearing loss requires medical assessment.
No. Labyrinthitis affects both balance and hearing. Neuritis typically affects balance only.
Yes — if compensation is incomplete. Vestibular rehab helps reduce persistent symptoms.
Yes. Positional vertigo can develop after inner ear inflammation. Our assessment will differentiate if you are suffering from BPPV or labyrinthitis, and provide appropriate treatment.
Rest early on is common, but graded movement becomes important once the acute phase settles.
If vertigo is severe or unpredictable, driving may not be safe. We advise based on your symptoms.
An objective balance test that measures how your body controls steadiness and guides rehab.
Monday: 08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday: 08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday: 08:00 - 20:00
Thursday: 08:00 - 20:00
Friday: 08:00 - 16:00
