03/01/2026
CAN CHICKEN POX LEAD TO HEARING LOSS?
Chicken pox, caused by the varicella-herpes zoster virus, isn’t normally associated with hearing loss. That’s because chicken pox happens during the disease’s initial infection. Afterward it stays dormant in the body for years and can later be reactivated as shingles or the lesser-known herpes zoster oticus, also called Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Herpes zoster oticus occurs when the virus reactivates in the facial nerve, which affects your face, tongue, and inner ear. It can cause a painful rash in the nerve area, facial paralysis, and intense ear pain. It can also cause hearing-related problems, including tinnitus, hyperacusis, and hearing loss on one side. The inflammation from the virus can damage the auditory nerve, cochlea, and inner ear tissues.
At LINDSAY EAR CLINIC, we believe in educating our patients about their hearing loss and providing them with the medical and emotional support they need to attain their peak level of hearing success. We provide regular check-ups, tailored treatment plans, and expert care to enhance their overall well-being. Our dedicated professionals ensure your hearing health journey is prioritized and personalized.
P.S. For many people, facial paralysis and hearing loss caused by herpes zoster oticus are temporary, but sometimes the inner ear damage is irreversible and leads to permanent hearing loss or deafness.