Labyrinthitis vs. Vestibular Neuritis: What’s the Difference?

Expert ENT Care at the Best ENT Clinic in Dubai

Have you ever felt a sudden spinning sensation, unsteadiness, or nausea that made it hard to go about your day? If so, you may have heard of labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis—two inner ear conditions that can disrupt your balance and overall well-being.

At ENT Clinic of Excellence, the best ENT clinic in Dubai, we help you understand, diagnose, and manage these conditions with expert care.

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🔍 What is Labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the labyrinth—the part of your inner ear that controls both hearing and balance. It often follows a viral or bacterial infection and affects both your hearing and your sense of balance.

Common Symptoms of Labyrinthitis:

• Sudden vertigo (a spinning sensation)
• Hearing loss (usually in one ear)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Trouble walking or keeping your balance

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🔍 What is Vestibular Neuritis?

Vestibular neuritis is the inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which helps your brain process balance signals from the inner ear. Unlike labyrinthitis, it does not affect hearing.

Common Symptoms of Vestibular Neuritis:

• Sudden, severe vertigo
• Nausea and vomiting
• Balance problems or unsteady walking
• No hearing loss or tinnitus

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⚖️ Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Labyrinthitis	Vestibular Neuritis
Affects hearing?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Affects balance?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Typical cause	Viral or bacterial	Usually viral
Main symptoms	Vertigo + hearing loss	Vertigo only
Treatment	Medications + rest	Medications + vestibular rehab

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💡 What Causes These Conditions?

Both conditions are commonly caused by viral infections such as:

• The flu or a cold
• Respiratory infections
• Less commonly, bacterial infections (more so with labyrinthitis)

Risk Factors:

• Recent viral illness
• Chronic ear infections
• Stress or weakened immune system

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🩺 How Are They Diagnosed?

At ENT Clinic of Excellence in Dubai, diagnosis starts with a thorough ENT evaluation, which may include:

• Hearing tests (to confirm or rule out labyrinthitis)
• Balance tests to assess vestibular function
• MRI or CT scans (if symptoms persist or are severe)

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✅ Treatment Options

Both conditions typically resolve within a few weeks, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery:

Medications:

• Antihistamines (e.g., meclizine) for dizziness
• Anti-nausea medications to reduce vomiting
• Corticosteroids for inflammation (when needed)
• Antibiotics (only if a bacterial infection is diagnosed in labyrinthitis)

Other supportive care:

• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
• Rest and hydration

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🚨 When to See an ENT Consultant?

Don’t ignore symptoms like:

• Severe vertigo
• Hearing loss in one ear
• Trouble walking or standing
• Persistent nausea or vomiting

Early diagnosis and treatment from an ENT specialist can speed up recovery and prevent complications.

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⭐ Why Choose ENT Clinic of Excellence, Dubai?

As the top ENT clinic in Dubai, we offer:

• Advanced diagnostics for inner ear and balance disorders
• Expert ENT consultant with years of experience in vertigo management
• Personalized treatment plans and long-term follow-up

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📅 Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re suffering from vertigo, dizziness, or hearing loss, trust your care to Dubai’s best ENT clinic. Let us help you get back to steady ground.

📍 Location: Building 64 – Block A, 2nd Floor – Unit 2004, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai Healthcare City
📞 Call us: 0502480249
🌐 Visit: entclinic.ae

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✅ Don’t let dizziness disrupt your life—get expert ENT care today at ENT Clinic of Excellence. 💙