Labyrinthitis results from an infection of the inner ear. This inflammation results in damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve leading to vertigo or dizziness, and loss of hearing. The inner ear consists of sacs and fluid-filled canals; this system is called labyrinth. Balance and Hearing are the critical functions of the labyrinth. The cochlea, a fluid-filled, snail-shaped structure is responsible for hearing. The vestibular part of the inner ear controls balance. It consists of three semicircular canals (which have fluid and hair cells) along with two sac-shaped structures the utricle and saccule these organs give information about the head movements. The signals travel from the labyrinth to the brain via the vestibulocochlear nerve.
The vestibulocochlear nerve is the eighth cranial nerve and has two sections. One, the cochlear nerve that transmits signals regarding hearing and the other, the vestibular nerve that sends signals regarding balance. The brain integrates the signals transmitted by vestibular nerves of both ears to maintain balance. Labyrinthitis disrupts both cochlear and vestibular components of the inner ear. Thus, it affects both hearing and balancing abilities of the person, causing loss of hearing and disequilibrium or vertigo. (learn more)
