Shingles and hearing loss aren’t generally something people group together. One pops up as a red rash, and the other isn’t visible at all. While the two conditions may not seem like an obvious pairing, some researchers have found that shingles can damage the hearing structures of the inner ear. Let’s take a closer look at this connection.
What Causes Shingles?
When you have chickenpox as a child or adult, the rash usually clears up in four to seven days, but the virus remains dormant in your body. Although it’s not contagious once the rash disappears, it can reactivate later as shingles, causing pain and discomfort. This can happen years after the initial infection, usually when you’re aged 50 or over.
When this reactivation occurs, the virus travels along the nerves to the skin, producing a painful rash. This rash is typically localized to one side of the body and often forms a distinctive stripe-like pattern, sometimes accompanied by fluid-filled blisters.
How Does Shingles Damage Hearing?
Anything that damages the inner, middle or outer ear can lead to hearing loss. The shingles virus can damage the auditory when it reaches the vestibulocochlear nerve—the nerve responsible for sending sound signals from the cochlea to the brain. This inner ear nerve damage is known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Why Should I Seek Shingles Treatment?
One 2023 study used South Korean health data to analyze the relationship between shingles treatment and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The study found that older adults treated for shingles had a lower risk of developing SSNHL within five years compared to those who weren’t. Although more research is needed, the results suggest antiviral and steroid treatments for shingles may reduce the occurrence of hearing loss.
What Are My Prevention and Treatment Options?
The best way to prevent shingles is to vaccinate against it. Adults over 50 who have had chickenpox should consider getting the shingles vaccine. If you’re unsure if you’ve had chickenpox, contact your Salem provider for a blood test.
If you begin to notice symptoms of shingles, like a red rash, pain or discomfort in or around your ear, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. Treatment options may include antivirals, steroids or over-the-counter pain medication, depending on your case.
What Do I Do if I Develop Hearing Loss?
If you notice signs of hearing loss, like struggling to understand speech or hear high-pitched sounds, take the following steps:
- Make an appointment with a hearing specialist for a comprehensive test to evaluate the degree of your hearing loss.
- If you have hearing loss, consider hearing aids to help improve your hearing and quality of life.
Contact Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule a hearing check-up with one of our specialists.
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