What is an inner ear infection?

According to the National Health Service, an inner ear infection is known as labyrinthitis. This disease can be severe and causes inflammation to form in the inner portion of the ear.

Symptoms of labyrinthitis include dizziness, vertigo and hearing loss. The symptoms of this disease tend to last for many weeks and are the most severe during the first week of infection, states the National Health Service. Inner ear infections normally occur due to a viral inflection and can occur as a result of the common cold or the flu. Treatment of an inner ear infection includes rest and medication to help alleviate the symptoms. Typical infections last a few weeks before clearing up completely.