What condition is referred to by the term 'labyrinthitis'?

Labyrinthitis specifically refers to the inflammation of the labyrinth, which is a structure in the inner ear responsible for both hearing and balance. This condition can arise from various causes such as viral infections, bacterial infections, or as a complication of ear infections. When the labyrinth becomes inflamed, it can lead to symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, balance issues, and hearing loss, which are directly related to the functions of this structure. Understanding the terminology is crucial for accurate coding and diagnosis, as misidentifying the condition could lead to inappropriate treatment or coding errors.

The other options focus on different aspects of ear health: infection of the tympanic membrane pertains to middle ear infections, disease of the external ear does not connect to the inner workings and functions of the labyrinth, and disorder of hearing is too broad and does not accurately capture the specific inflammation indicated by labyrinthitis.