The main symptom of vestibular neuritis is vertigo, a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving even though there is no actual movement. Vertigo caused by vestibular neuritis:

• Begins suddenly, usually with no warning.
• Is severe enough that it often causes nausea and sometimes vomiting.
• Is severe for 1 to 2 days.
• Gradually gets better over a span of a few days to weeks.

After the first symptoms of vertigo go away, there may be a period lasting a month or more when any sudden head movement can trigger dizziness and loss of balance.

Vestibular neuritis may cause hearing loss. It is similar to a condition called labyrinthitis, which often-but not always-causes temporary or permanent hearing loss or a ringing sound in the ears (tinnitus). The difference between vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis is where the inflammation occurs. Vestibular neuritis affects the vestibular nerve. Labyrinthitis affects the inner ear canal. For more information, see the topic Labyrinthitis.