How long does an inner ear infection last?

I have had an inner ear infection for over 2 weeks now, how long could it last for?

• I am a diabetic on various medications but none of them recent additions. About 17 days ago I started feeling nauseous & giddy, my tummy got upset (and still is) and I can't stand bright lights of any kind. The doc has put me on Loperimide Hydrochloride, Stemetil & Metoclopramide (all at the same time) - all of which have had minor success in fighting this but none are a cure! So - how long might I expect an inner ear infection to continue with no direct medication to fight the cause of all the symptoms?!

• Answer:

  I must say I am somewhat confused about the medications you listed. I'm totally baffled as to why a doctor would prescribe Loperimide Hydrochloride- Immodium by any other name, the Stemil- which is an antipsychotic, and a dangerous one at that, and Metoclopramide,which is for acid reflux- for an inner ear infection. I also fail to see what help they could possibly be to you, as none of them are for treating your problem. Inner ear infections of bacterial origin would respond to any number of antibiotics, many of which are quite appropriate for diabetics to use. I should also think you would have been given a decongestant. It may be your doctor thinks it is viral in origin, in which case antibiotics are useless and it simply has to run the course. However, none of the drugs you have listed are of any help at all. If this is the best your doctor has to offer, I highly suggest you seek a second opinion, and soon. I would not recommend taking the Stemetil long at all, or at all if truth were told. I am not a physician, only a nurse- so far be it from me to prescribe, but I would question your doctors choices of treatment. Knowing what I do know, it's highly questionable to say the least. Go see another doctor, because your problem should be treatable, or at least the worst of the symptoms should be alleviated.