1 Shingles in caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox-varicella-zoster virus. 2  Shingles is a painful infection of the nerve supplying an area of skin and is accompanied by a localised skin rash. 3  Older people and those with a weakened immune system are at greater risk for developing shingles.
Hearing loss, also known as hard of hearing, anacusis or hearing impairment, is a partial or total inability to hear. It may occur in one or both ears. In children hearing problems can affect the ability to learn language and in adults it can cause work related difficulties.
There are defined degrees of hearing loss: 1  Mild hearing loss - People with mild hearing loss have difficulties keeping up with conversations, especially in noisy surroundings. 2  Moderate hearing loss - People with moderate hearing loss have difficulty keeping up with conversations when they are not using a hearing aid.