On June 23, renowned Bollywood singer Alka Yagnik was conferred the Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. Marking the occasion, Alka shared on social media that she had been away from the public eye for the past two years and had not been able to disclose much about her health. She wrote, “I have stayed away from the limelight for the last two years. Many are aware that I have been unwell; throughout this time, your love, prayers, and support have been with me.”
Hearing loss due to a viral infection
About two years ago, the 60-year-old singer revealed that she had been diagnosed with a rare condition known as Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL). She recounted how she suddenly lost her hearing right after disembarking from a flight. Alka said, “It happened so abruptly that I couldn’t comprehend what was going on. Doctors informed me that the condition was caused by a viral infection—a rare occurrence. Please keep me in your prayers.” She also warned people that listening to music at high volumes and prolonged use of headphones could be harmful to their hearing.
What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)?
It is a common yet serious hearing-related condition involving damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. Once these cells or nerves are damaged, they often do not heal on their own. The condition can affect one or both ears and may develop either gradually or suddenly.
What are the early symptoms?
Difficulty understanding conversations
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
Needing to turn up the volume on the TV or phone
Discomfort caused by loud noises
Feeling as though people are not speaking clearly
Hearing a whistling or buzzing sound in the ears
Experiencing fatigue after listening for extended periods
What are the types of SNHL? Congenital SNHL: Present at birth
Acquired SNHL: Caused by age, infection, or injury
Sudden SNHL: Loss of hearing within a few hours or days
Age-related SNHL: Hearing loss due to aging
Noise-induced SNHL: Caused by loud noise or music
Who is at higher risk?
Older adults
People exposed to loud noise or music
Those with a family history of hearing problems
Ear infections or viral illnesses
Head injury
Conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
Certain medications (e.g., antibiotics, chemotherapy)
Smoking and poor heart health
How to treat and prevent it?
Hearing aids: Using a hearing device
Cochlear implants: Surgery for severe cases
Medication: Immediate treatment for sudden hearing loss
Speech therapy: Practicing speech and comprehension skills
