Warning Signs Of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a symptom that commonly occurs in those with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Tinnitus means the patient hears sounds or noises when there are no external sounds present. These noises are often referred to as phantom noises. The sounds that occur with tinnitus are commonly described as ringing, roaring, hissing, buzzing, clicking, and humming. The sounds an individual hears when they have tinnitus may range from very high pitched to very low pitched. These sounds can also vary in terms of volume. Any auditory disturbances or irregularities that occur as symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome are due to the proximity of the facial nerve and the nerve that attaches to the inner ear. These nerves converge at a point, allowing for the Varicella zoster virus to come in contact with the nerve connected to the inner ear. When the infection of this nerve causes a hyperactive transmission of signals, it will result in tinnitus. When the infection impairs the transmission of signals between the ear and brain, it causes a general loss of hearing.

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Hearing Loss

Temporary or permanent hearing loss can occur in Ramsay Hunt syndrome patients. Hearing loss is defined as any degree of lost function of the ear that impairs the patient's ability to hear normally. When hearing loss occurs in individuals with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, they may have difficulty with understanding a normal conversation and will ask others to repeat themselves often. It is common for Ramsay Hunt syndrome patients to feel as if they are able to hear, but are not able to understand what they are hearing. It is also difficult for these patients to hear in noisy situations like when they are in the car or when eating at a restaurant. This hearing loss occurs in Ramsay Hunt syndrome patients when the Varicella zoster virus affects the seventh and eighth cranial nerve. While the exact mechanism of how the virus is transmitted between the facial, auditory, and cochlear nerves, it is understood the anastomosis of all three nerves plays a role. The effect the Varicella zoster viral infection has on the auditory and cochlear nerves can result in the permanent loss of hearing if the virus goes untreated.

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