Inner ear, also called labyrinth of the ear, part of the ear that contains organs of the senses of hearing and equilibrium. The bony labyrinth, a cavity in the temporal bone, is divided into three sections: the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea.
Symptoms of an inner ear infection may include:
Dizziness or spinning sensation (vertigo) Nausea and vomiting. Problems with balance or walking. Hearing loss (or decrease in sound volume) in one ear. Earache or ear pain. Fever (sometimes) Feeling of fullness in the ear.
The inner ear has 3 main parts:
Cochlea. The cochlea is the auditory area of the inner ear that changes sound waves into nerve signals. Semicircular canals. The semicircular canals sense balance and posture to assist in equilibrium. Vestibule.
Medications, such as steroids, can reduce inner ear inflammation, and water pills can reduce fluid buildup. For people who have recurrent episodes of vertigo, a physical therapy called vestibular rehabilitation can help.