Yes, shingles in the ear is also contagious. Chickenpox pathogens are contained in the secretion of the vesicles and that is why a patient with shingles is contagious - until the last vesicle has opened and crusted over. People who have never had chickenpox in particular can get chickenpox through contact with shingles. Shingles is just not contagious for those who have already had chickenpox, because they already carry the pathogen in their body.