Causes of Labyrinthitis

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Most cases of labyrinthitis are caused by a viral infection. There is a wide range of viruses that can cause an infection, but the condition often follows a common viral illness such as a cold, the flu, or mumps. The virus itself may cause an inflammation of the labyrinth, or it may be your bodyâ€™s immune response to the virus that inflames it.

Labyrinthitis can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Such cases are rare, but likely to be more serious. Bacteria can enter your labyrinth if the membranes (thin layers of tissue) that separate the middle ear from the inner ear are broken. This can happen if you have a disease such as a middle ear infection (otitis media) or an infection of the brain lining (meningitis). Bacteria can also gain access to the inner ear as a result of an injury to your ear or head.