Inner ear infections can cause balance problems, vomiting and ringing in the ears as well as temporary loss of hearing. Many people mistakenly refer to the common middle ear infections that children experience as inner ear infections, but they are two very different conditions. Inner ear infections can develop on their own but often follow another illness, such as mononucleosis. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that, with treatment, the most problematic symptoms of inner ear infections clear up within a week, although some minor dizziness and vertigo may linger for several months.
Virus
The most common causes of inner ear infections are viruses. A virus may affect the ear as part of a systemic illness, such as mononucleosis, or it may develop only in the ear. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a viral respiratory infection often evolves into an inner ear infection several days after the onset of initial symptoms.
Bacteria
A less common reason for the development of inner ear infections is a bacterial infection. The Formula Medical Group reports that bacteria may lead to an inner ear infection if the infection spreads from either the middle ear or the brain membrane (bacterial meningitis). They also report that bacteria may lead to inner ear infections in the case of syphilis or tuberculosis.
Allergies
People who suffer from allergies may devlop inner ear infections due to problems in the structure of the inner ear. The inner ear contains a network of small, fluid-filled tubes. When someone suffers from allergies, these tubes can become inflamed and infection can develop in the fluid. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that treatment with antihistamines may reduce the symptoms of these inner ear infections.
