More than 50 walk-in locations

What is an Inner Ear Infection

Inner ear infectionWhat’s different about an inner ear infection?

An inner ear infection is different than a middle 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 a vestibular 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 labyrinthitis are 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 labyrinthitis are 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 are located 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 Urgent Care owns and operates nearly 200 centers in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas that provide a broad range of acute/episodic and preventive healthcare services 365 days a year. FastMed also provides workers’ compensation and other occupational health services at all its centers, and family and sports medicine services at select locations. FastMed has successfully treated more than six million patients and is the only independent urgent care operator in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas to be awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information about locations, services, hours of operation, insurance and prices, visit www.fastmed.com.

Sign up for email offers

Sign up to receive coupons, health tips, and more–directly to your inbox.