Yes, it is. Shingles in the ear can also be contagious. The virus responsible for chickenpox resides in the secretion of the vesicles, making individuals with shingles contagious until the last vesicle has crusted over. Those who have never had chickenpox, in particular, can contract it through contact with someone with shingles. However, shingles is not contagious for those who have already had chickenpox as they already carry the virus in their body.