18. Herpes zoster oticus
This type of herpes zoster affects the ear canal and the inner ear when the geniculate ganglion is infected with the virus. It is not the most common manifestation of the disease. The signs and symptoms include ear pain or otalgia and vesicle formation in the tympanic membrane or the ear canal. These patients likely have auditory problems ranging from mild impairment to complete deafness. They sometimes have balance problems if the disease takes the vestibular chambers of the inner ear.