The various terms for the same clinical syndrome probably reflect our lack of ability to localize the site of lesion. There is actually evidence for both. Nevertheless, if the nerve were involved after it separates from the cochlear nerve, neuritis would still be a reasonable mechanism. However, present thought is that inflammation, presumably viral, is much more common than loss of blood flow. In labyrinthitis, it is thought that generally viruses cause the infection, but rarely labyrinthitis can be the result of a bacterial middle ear infection.
Hearing is unaffected.
In labyrinthitis, hearing may be reduced or distorted in tandem with vertigo. The symptoms of both vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis typically include dizziness or vertigo, disequilibrium or imbalance, and nausea. Acutely, the dizziness is constant. After a few days, symptoms are often only precipitated by sudden movements. It occurs in all age groups, but cases are rare in children.