Shingles is often associated with its most recognizable symptom—a painful rash. However, this condition can bring unexpected challenges, including hearing problems. Understanding how shingles develops and why it affects hearing is key to preventing and managing its effects.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Once someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus doesn’t leave their body. Instead, it becomes dormant, hiding in the spinal nerve root called the dorsal root ganglion. For most people, the virus remains inactive, but for about 10% of those who’ve had chickenpox, it can reactivate later in life as shingles.
When the virus reactivates, it travels along the nerve pathways to the skin, causing a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body. This rash often forms a stripe-like pattern and can include blisters.
How Does Shingles Affect Hearing?
Shingles can lead to hearing problems through two primary conditions:
1. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when shingles affects the facial nerve near one of the ears. It can cause:
- Painful red rash with blisters in or around the ear
- Facial paralysis on the affected side
- Hearing loss in the affected ear
2. Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear, often linked to viral conditions like shingles or respiratory infections. If left untreated, it can cause permanent hearing loss or vertigo.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Shingles?
Several factors can raise the likelihood of shingles, including:
- Weakened immune system. This is common as people age or during periods of stress or illness.
- Medical conditions. Factors like cancer or recent organ transplants can lower immunity and increase the likelihood for shingles.
Preventing Shingles-Related Hearing Loss
A few ways you can help prevent shingles and its complications include:
- Vaccinate. Vaccinate children against chickenpox to reduce the likelihood of carrying the virus into adulthood. For adults over 50, the shingles vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles and its complications. Schedule an appointment at your local Houston pharmacy for a vaccine today.
- Early treatment. If you notice symptoms of shingles, like a red rash or ear discomfort, consult a healthcare provider immediately. For hearing-related symptoms, schedule a hearing test as soon as possible.
By getting available vaccines and seeking treatment early, you can minimize the impact of shingles. For hearing concerns, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Hearing Systems.