Objective By analyzing the event related potentials (ERPs) of vertigo and normal children, this study aims to explore the effects of vertigo on cognitive function in children, and provide theoretical guidance for clinical intervention. Methods The children aged 6 to 17 years old who presented with symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders at hearing impairment and vertigo diagnosis and treatment center were selected from January to August 2024 as the study subjects (vertigo group), and healthy children of similar age during the same period were selected as the control group. Both groups underwent auditory Oddball paradigm stimulation, and event-related potential (ERPs) components, including P1, N1, P2, N2, and P3, were recorded. The latency and amplitude differences of each component were compared between the two groups. Results There were 33 children (14 boys and 19 girls) in vertigo group, and the average age was (10.2±2.7) years. The control group consisted of 16 children (12 boys and 4 females), with an average age of (9.8±2.5) years. The amplitudes of N1 and N2 in the vertigo group were significantly lower than those in the control group, with statistical significance (P<0.05), while the amplitudes of residual components and latency of all components between the two groups had no statistical significance (P>0.05). The latency and amplitude of all ERPs components in vertigo group and control group had no significant correlation with age (P>0.05). Conclusions Vertigo in children affects their cognitive function, primarily in the early stages of perception and cognitive control, with less impact on higher cognitive processing, indicating that children with vertigo may reduce perception, conflict processing, and cognitive control abilities.