The symptoms of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome vary from case to case and may, but not always, include:

• An inability to close the eye, to smile, wrinkle the forehead and whistle.
• A 'drooping' of the face in the affected side.
• Speech may be mildly slurred.
• Severe pain around the head, ear or neck.
• Tearing occurs because the eye does not close completely.
• Loss of taste or unusual tastes.
• Dryness in the mouth.
• Sounds may appear louder on the affected side (hyperacusis) - this may be caused by paralysis of the stapedius muscle but also occurs independently.
• Papillitis may be seen of the fungiform papillae of the affected side.
• A painful herpes type skin eruption on the pinna of the ear.
• Small, painful blisters in the mouth.
• There is frequently vestibulo-cochlear disturbance (i.e. there may be dizziness or a disturbance of hearing).
• Vertigo