The ear consists of three parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The labyrinth, located in the inner ear, is formed by fluid-filled canals that control balance and hearing. Labyrinthitis, also known as inner ear inflammation, is an inflammation of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear, characterized by dizziness, vertigo, nausea, tinnitus, and hearing loss.

Master of Science, Doctor Nguyen Duc Minh, from the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, stated that if the condition persists and is not treated promptly, it can lead to many complications.

Bilateral vestibular dysfunction occurs when both vestibular organs in the inner ear are damaged or function poorly, leading to a loss of balance. This is a debilitating complication associated with bilateral labyrinthitis, often caused by meningitis, which can result in vision impairment and cognitive decline.

Hearing loss occurs in severe cases of labyrinthitis. Some patients may experience reduced hearing or tinnitus. These cases can be managed with hearing aids or tinnitus therapy to improve symptoms.

A doctor examines a patient's ear. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

A doctor examines a patient's ear. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Complete deafness is rare but can occur, often due to bacterial meningitis.

Mastoiditis develops when untreated bacterial labyrinthitis spreads to the mastoid bone. According to Doctor Duc, this condition usually responds well to intravenous antibiotics, but severe cases may require mastoidectomy.

Treatment for labyrinthitis is tailored to the patient's cause and symptoms. For viral labyrinthitis, doctors prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial labyrinthitis. In cases where labyrinthitis is secondary to severe otitis media or mastoiditis, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Hieu Nguyen