On June 18, 58-year-old Alka Yagnik took to her Instagram handle to open up about a personal experience that she had been dealing with silently until now. The legendary singer who has lent her voice to some of the best songs of Indian cinema such as Mohra’s tip tip rainy water, O my companion from doomsday to doomsday, I have given my heart to my beloved, the moon is hidden in the clouds And if you are with the tamashaThese are some of the names who are currently battling a diagnosis of sensorineural deafness. Alka revealed how after a seemingly normal flight ride she suddenly realised she was unable to hear anything. When she shared the news of her diagnosis, she asked her fans to keep her in their prayers. Here’s all you need to know about this rare condition.
What is sensorineural deafness?
Depending on the severity of the diagnosis, sensorineural near hearing loss (SNHL) or deafness results from damage to a person’s inner ear structure or auditory nerve, reports Healthline. The report details how the cochlea contains tiny hairs called stereocilia, which are responsible for converting vibrations from sound waves into nerve signals, which are then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve. These hairs weaken and can even be damaged when exposed to noise louder than 85 decibels. However, the effect may not be felt until about 30 percent to 50 percent of the hairs are damaged. Hearing loss resulting from this diagnosis can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the triggering event(s).
What are the reasons for this?
Healthline’s report elaborates that SNHL can affect one or both ears. Its onset can be sudden or gradual. The report states that the first effects of sudden SNHL are usually visible as soon as the person wakes up. Infections, head injuries, autoimmune diseases, Meniere’s disease, blood circulation problems as well as side effects of certain medications can cause SNHL. In some rare cases, a person may be born with the condition. Apart from this, SNHL can also be triggered by genetic factors as well as aging.
How to identify a possible case of sensorineural deafness?
The report also provides a detailed list of symptoms to look out for. Trouble hearing voices amid background noise, difficulty understanding high-pitched sounds or hearing high-pitched noises, trouble balancing or feeling dizzy, and a ringing sensation in the ears are symptoms that should not be taken lightly. SNHL is also characterised by the fact that a person can hear voices but cannot understand exactly what they are saying.
Can this condition be reversible?
If SNHL is caused by age-related factors or genetic conditions, the symptoms tend to gradually worsen over time, reports Healthline. However, if the triggers are loud noises or environmental factors, the symptoms are likely to be constant.
Can you avoid becoming a victim of this disease?
Gradual hearing loss is a part of aging. However, it is not inevitable. The first step in this regard is to be mindful of protecting your ears. Healthline reports how one should keep the volume of their headphones below 60 percent, wear earplugs around loud noises, and get periodic hearing tests done. Given that the onset of SNHL can also be triggered by certain medications, it is strongly advisable to consult a doctor before starting a new medication.
Music industry comes forward to console Alka Yagnik
The news of Alka’s demise shocked the music industry. Singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan wrote, “Praying for your speedy recovery Alkaji!! You will be absolutely fine and rock like always! Lots of love and best wishes ❤️❤️”. Playback singer and music director Sonu Nigam commented, “I knew something was not right.. will meet you when I am back.. God bless you with a speedy recovery”. Ila Arun, who collaborated with Alka in iconic hits the back of the bodicewrote, “So sad to hear this 😢 Dear Alka I saw your pic and reacted but what I read is heart breaking 💔 but with blessings and the best doctors today you will be fine and soon we will hear your sweet voice love 🥰 take care of yourself always”.
Aakriti Kakkar added, “You are our lioness and our queen. The only way forward is your recovery, which will happen sooner than we imagine. We love you so much and are praying and cheering for you Alkaji.”
We wish the senior singer a speedy recovery.
