The common cause of labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis is a viral infection. They are called viral labyrinthitis and viral vestibular neuritis. There are various viruses that can cause these problems.The infection may occur at the same time as, or just after, you have a common viral illness such as a sore throat, glandular fever, flu, or a cold. The cold sore virus may also be a cause.hey are called viral labyrinthitis and viral vestibular neuritis. There are various viruses that can cause these problems. The infection may occur at the same time as, or just after, you have a common viral illness such as a sore throat, glandular fever, flu, or a cold. The cold sore virus may also be a cause.