What is an Inner Ear Infection
What’s different about an inner ear infection?
An inner ear infection is different than amiddle ear Infection, which most commonly affects children. A middle ear infection develops when fluid builds up in the cavity behind the eardrum and a bacterial infection forms. An inner ear infection is almost always the result of a virus and can temporarily affect your hearing and balance.
What happens if I get an inner ear infection?
The inner ear, called the labyrinth, is where hearing and balance are controlled.The inner ear consists of cochlea: a snail shaped tube that transmits sounds to the brain and avestibular system(a complex set of tubes and nerves) that manages balance. When either or both become inflamed from an inner ear infection, both your hearing and your balance are affected. This condition is commonly called labyrinthitis.
What are the symptoms of an inner ear infection?
The most common symptoms of labyrinthitisare dizziness, hearing loss, and vertigo (a feeling that the world is spinning around you). Some people have mild dizziness; others have difficulty staying upright. Hearing loss can be in one or both ears, but it is rare for hearing loss to be permanent from an inner ear infection.
What can I do to feel better?
Symptoms of labyrinthitisare more severe at the start of an inner ear infection but diminish as time goes on.Depending on the severity of the dizziness/vertigo, you may have to stay lying down. And you definitely should not operate a vehicle. Always avoid using tools or working at heights if you have an inner ear infection, even if your symptoms are mild.
Can I go to FastMed for an inner ear infection?
Yes. FastMed walk-in clinics arelocated across Arizona and North Carolina. Find the office closest to you and come by because we don’t require appointments.
Other articles:
Chronic Bronchitis| Sore Throat|Allergy Medicine|Acute Bronchitis
.
About FastMed
FastMed is a North Carolina-based integrated healthcare company based in Durham, NC. It operates more than 50 locations in 34 counties providing urgent care and occupational health as well as primary care at select locations. FastMed accepts most insurance plans and is one of a few private urgent care centers also accredited by The Joint Commission. Learn more at fastmed.com.