Renowned Bollywood singer Alka Yagnik, whose voice has captivated millions across generations, recently disclosed a troubling health condition – sensorineural hearing loss. The singer, known for her iconic melodies in the 90s, experienced a sudden loss of hearing in her right ear during a trip to Goa in May. This condition, initially dismissed as cabin pressure-related, worsened over time, leading to complete hearing loss in the right ear and partial loss in the left.
Yagnik shared her diagnosis in an Instagram post, attributing her absence from the public eye to this “major setback.” The singer was diagnosed with a “rare sensorineural hearing loss” caused by a viral attack. This condition, affecting the inner ear or the hearing nerve, is characterized by damage to the tiny hair cells (stereocilia) within the cochlea, which are responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals. While this damage may not be noticeable until 30-50% of the hair cells are affected, it can lead to varying degrees of hearing loss, ranging from mild to severe.
The rarity of sudden hearing loss, affecting only 5-20 people per 100,000 annually, underscores its seriousness. While congenital factors, like birth infections and complications, can contribute, acquired causes, including exposure to loud noises, aging, head trauma, autoimmune disorders, Meniere’s disease, circulation problems, and even side effects of certain medications, can also lead to sensorineural hearing loss.
Medical experts emphasize the role of viral infections, particularly the herpes virus, in triggering this condition. The virus can directly attack the brain’s nerves, infect the inner ear’s fluid spaces, or even trigger an autoimmune response within the inner ear.
While not life-threatening, sensorineural hearing loss can severely impact communication and daily life. Treatment options vary, ranging from corticosteroid medications to reduce swelling in the cochlear hair cells to antiviral medications, though their effectiveness remains inconclusive. In cases of significant, permanent hearing loss, cochlear implants, hearing aids, and assistive listening devices can provide assistance.
Prompt medical attention is crucial, as recovery rates are higher within the first two weeks. However, delaying treatment significantly reduces the chances of recovery, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Prevention measures include using hearing protection during loud activities, lowering music volume through headphones or earbuds, avoiding smoking, engaging in regular exercise, and managing high blood pressure.
As Alka Yagnik navigates this challenging health situation, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our hearing and seeking timely medical attention for any sudden hearing loss.
