Leading Bollywood singer Alka Yagnik said that she has been diagnosed with ‘a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss’, due to a ‘sudden viral attack’. On Monday, in a long Instagram post, the singer revealed why she had been ‘missing in action’ and asked for their ‘support and understanding’.
“To all my fans, friends, followers and well-wishers. A few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt I was not able to hear anything. Having mustered some courage in the weeks following the episode, I want to break my silence now for all my friends and well-wishers who have been asking me why I’m missing in action. It has been diagnosed by my docs as a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack…this sudden, major setback has caught me completely unaware,” Yagnik said in the Instagram post.
“As I attempt to come to terms with it please keep me in your prayers.” She also warned against the ‘exposure to very loud music and headphones’.
“For my fans and young colleagues, I would add a word of caution regarding exposure to very loud music and headphones. One day, I wish to share the health perils of my professional life. With all your love and support, I am hoping to recalibrate my life and, come back to you soon. Your support and understanding will mean the world to me in this critical hour…,” she said.
What is sensorineural deafness?
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a condition in which hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or the nerve from the ear to the brain. According to Healthline, it is a natural part of the aging process.
More than 90 percent of hearing loss in adults is caused by this condition. Common causes of SNHL include exposure to loud noises, genetic factors, or the natural aging process.
Although SNHL isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can interfere with your ability to communicate if not managed on time.
“Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an uncommon condition that can affect people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including loud noises, infections, autoimmune diseases, neurological problems, blood vessel issues, injuries, certain medications, and even tumors. The severity of hearing loss can range from mild temporary hearing loss to complete deafness,” Dr Vijay Verma, Consultant, Allergy & ENT Specialist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram told Financial Express.com.
What are the symptoms of sensorineural deafness?
SNHL can occur in one ear or both ears depending on the cause and it can lead to:
- trouble hearing sounds when there’s background noise
- particular difficulty understanding children’s and female voices
- dizziness or balance problems
- trouble hearing high-pitched sounds
- sounds and voices seem muffled
- feeling like you can hear voices but can’t understand them
- tinnitus (ringing in your ears)
“Unfortunately, some people mistake SSNHL for earwax buildup or due to intense cold and try to treat it themselves with ear drops or other medications. This can be dangerous as it delays proper diagnosis and, in many cases, complicates the issue further. Early intervention, ideally within 24 to 72 hours of symptoms starting, significantly improves the chances of regaining hearing ability,” Dr. Verma said.
How sensorineural deafness is treated?
Currently, there is no surgical option to treat SNHL. According to Healthline, the most common options are hearing aids and cochlear implants to help you compensate for hearing loss.
“The treatment for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) typically involves a combination of medications and therapies aimed at reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the inner ear,” Dr. Verma explained.