Shingles are a serious viral infection that usually affects adults over the age of 50. This type of infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same one that causes chickenpox. If you experienced chickenpox as a child, it could remain dormant for years and present as shingles later in life. Even those who were vaccinated against chickenpox as children can get shingles.
Symptoms of shingles include a painful rash on one side of the body or face, usually for the first four to five days after the infection’s onset. Other symptoms include fever, chills, headache and upset stomach. It takes about three to five weeks to clear the infection in most cases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Almost 1 out of 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime.”
You may be surprised to learn that shingles are associated with another condition: hearing loss. We explore the link below.
Auditory Symptoms of Shingles
In addition to the symptoms listed above, shingles can also cause auditory symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness and vertigo (spinning sensation). Shingles can also present as other disease pathways, namely:
- Labyrinthitis. This is an infection of the inner ear that affects both hearing and balance.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome. This affects the facial nerve near the inner ear and can also damage hearing.
In most cases, cases of hearing loss caused by Ramsay Hunt syndrome are temporary. However, it can sometimes be permanent, especially for those who don’t seek prompt medical care. Most commonly, the higher frequencies are most affected, especially among those who experience vertigo when they have a shingles infection.
Prevention Is Key
The best way to prevent hearing loss caused by shingles is to get vaccinated. The SHINGRIX vaccine provides protection against shingles and associated complications. Immunity stays strong for at least seven years after you’ve been vaccinated, and two doses provides more than 90% protection.
The recommended vaccine schedule for those 50 years and older is to get two SHINGRIX doses two to six months apart at Atlanta City Compounding Pharmacy on Cheshire Bridge Road Northeast. As of January 1, 2023, SHINGRIX, is now free for almost everyone.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Advanced Hearing today.