What is vestibular labyrinthitis?
Vestibular labyrinthitis is a combination of the symptoms of vestibular neuritis combined with hearing loss. Vestibular labyrinthritis is an inflammatory disorder of the labyrinth component of the inner ear which controls hearing and balance. The labyrinth is composed of a fluid filled compartment surrounded by an outer bony framework containing membranes which contain and support the peripheral sensory organs for balance and hearing. These organs include the utricle, the sacule, the semi-circular canals and the cochlea. Labyrinthitis occurs when bacteria or viruses invade the membranes of the labyrinth and damage the vestibular and auditory organs. Other causes of damage also exist. These infectious organisms gain access to the labyrinth by way of congenital or acquired anatomical defects of the labyrinth.
