From the Research
An inner ear infection should be evaluated by an ENT specialist within 24-48 hours if symptoms are severe or worsening, especially if accompanied by vertigo, significant hearing loss, or severe pain. For mild cases, seeing an ENT within one week may be appropriate. Initial treatment often includes antibiotics like amoxicillin (500mg three times daily for 7-10 days) or amoxicillin-clavulanate (875/125mg twice daily for 7-10 days) if bacterial infection is suspected, as discussed in the context of ear infections 1. Pain management with acetaminophen (650mg every 6 hours) or ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) is recommended. Prompt evaluation is crucial because untreated inner ear infections can lead to permanent hearing loss, balance problems, or spread to surrounding structures. If you experience facial weakness, severe headache, high fever, or worsening symptoms despite treatment, seek emergency care immediately. Inner ear infections (labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis) affect the delicate structures responsible for hearing and balance, and timely intervention helps prevent complications and preserve function. Some studies have compared the effectiveness of different antibiotics in treating ear infections, such as azithromycin versus amoxicillin-clavulanate 2, 3, 4, but the primary concern in the case of an inner ear infection is prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent long-term damage. Additionally, the risk of sensorineural hearing loss with certain antibiotics like azithromycin has been investigated, showing no increased risk compared to amoxicillin ± clavulanate 5. However, the key factor in managing inner ear infections is not the specific antibiotic choice but rather the timely intervention to prevent complications. Therefore, the focus should be on prompt evaluation by an ENT specialist and appropriate treatment based on the severity and cause of the infection.