Warning Signs Of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

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.

Get more details on the warning signs of Ramsay Hunt syndrome now.