What condition is often a consequence of labyrinthectomy?

A labyrinthectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the inner ear's labyrinth, which is responsible for balance and hearing. This procedure is typically performed to treat certain types of severe vertigo or balance disorders that have not responded to other treatments.

The most common consequence of a labyrinthectomy is indeed hearing loss. The inner ear structures that are removed include those which facilitate auditory function; therefore, patients often experience significant impairment in their ability to hear after the surgery.

Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, can occur in various ear-related conditions and might not necessarily be a direct result of the labyrinthectomy itself, whereas your answer relating to Bell's palsy connects to a condition affecting facial nerves, which is unrelated to the labyrinthectomy's focus on the inner ear structures. A bacterial infection is also not a typical direct consequence of this surgical procedure and is more related to post-operative complications that can arise from any surgery.

Thus, hearing loss is the primary and most expected outcome following a labyrinthectomy due to the removal of essential auditory components within the inner ear structure.