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What are the Most Common Inner Ear Infection Symptoms?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

The most common inner ear infection symptoms include a loss of balance, headaches, and vertigo. A person suffering from an inner ear infection may also suffer from a temporary loss of hearing, although this depends on the severity of the condition. Other symptoms of the condition include a constant ringing, which is known as tinnitus, and nausea. Vomiting can also be caused by an inner ear infection.

The severity of inner ear infection symptoms depends on a number of factors. For example, the symptoms may worsen if the patient moves his or her head. A person with an inner ear infection may find it difficult to sleep, as rolling over can result in an increase in the level of symptoms.

Vertigo is among the most common signs of an inner ear infection. This can cause a feeling of spinning, even while the person is standing still. Many people describe this sensation to being similar, but distinct, from a feeling of dizziness.

Ear infections sometimes require a visit to a physician.
Ear infections sometimes require a visit to a physician.

Nausea is commonly caused by an inner ear infection. Although most symptoms of an inner ear problem go away on their own, medication may be given to a patient to help control and reduce the intense and unpleasant nausea. Vomiting may or may not accompany this symptom.

Tinnitus is a condition that can be caused by a number of problems, including an inner ear infection. This causes a constant ringing sound in the ear that is most noticeable in quiet places. Usually tinnitus noises caused by an infection will disappear without treatment, but they can be frustrating to deal with.

Nausea can be caused by an inner ear infection.
Nausea can be caused by an inner ear infection.

In most cases, inner ear infection symptoms last for several days days, although in the worst cases they can last for weeks. Unfortunately, some infections which will return until treated correctly. It's important, for this reason, for a person suffering from symptoms to visit a doctor. There are also several serious conditions that can cause similar symptoms, which is another reason why a professional medical examination is important.

Labyrinthitus, an infection of the inner ear, may trigger dizziness and affect an individual's sense of balance and equilibrium.
Labyrinthitus, an infection of the inner ear, may trigger dizziness and affect an individual's sense of balance and equilibrium.

Inner ear infection symptoms can be a sign of a condition known as Meniere’s diseases. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and tinnitus, but is more serious than a regular infection. The condition is classified as a disease of the inner ear and causes a large amount of fluid to build up. Diagnosis of the problem can be difficult, but if the person has been suffering from inner ear symptoms for a long period of time, it may be a potential cause.

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

I'm getting a viral inner ear infection treatment right now. I'm on antiviral medication and a fever reducer. I hope the fever, the dizziness and ear popping will go away soon.

burcidi

@SarahGen-- I'm not a doctor (and I urge you to see one right away), but I've had my share of inner ear infections.

You do have symptoms of an inner ear infection. Ear pain, imbalance in inner ear pressure and accompanying balance problems, headaches and nausea are all symptoms of an infection.

You said your symptoms showed up after taking a flight, which could also mean that the pressure in your inner ear has changed and is causing these symptoms. There is no way you can know until you see an ear, throat and nose specialist.

And you should see one soon because if it is an infection, you need antibiotics. Delaying treatment for an inner ear infection can result in damage to the eardrum and you don't want that.

SarahGen

I've been having some issues with my ears ever since I took a flight to see my grandparents. My ears ache and sometimes it feels like they're full of pressure. I also get the feeling at times that the ground is moving.

Do these sound like symptoms of an inner ear infection?

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    • Ear infections sometimes require a visit to a physician.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Ear infections sometimes require a visit to a physician.
    • Nausea can be caused by an inner ear infection.
      By: jedi-master
      Nausea can be caused by an inner ear infection.
    • Labyrinthitus, an infection of the inner ear, may trigger dizziness and affect an individual's sense of balance and equilibrium.
      By: kasto
      Labyrinthitus, an infection of the inner ear, may trigger dizziness and affect an individual's sense of balance and equilibrium.
    • Children experiencing inflamed nasal and throat passages may be more susceptible to developing a secondary condition, such as an ear infection.
      By: julaszka
      Children experiencing inflamed nasal and throat passages may be more susceptible to developing a secondary condition, such as an ear infection.
    • The presence of an ear infection may cause fever in infants.
      By: fred goldstein
      The presence of an ear infection may cause fever in infants.
    • Ear infection symptoms usually last for several days, although sometimes they can last a few weeks.
      By: dimedrol68
      Ear infection symptoms usually last for several days, although sometimes they can last a few weeks.
    • An ear infection may cause painful, swollen lymph nodes.
      By: Barabas Attila
      An ear infection may cause painful, swollen lymph nodes.