On June 23, veteran musician Dr Alka Yagnik was honored with Padma BhushanOne of India’s highest civilian awards by President Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The singer has sung some of the most iconic songs in Hindi cinema and has made a huge mark in the hearts of audiences over the years. Because of that, fans really had time to celebrate the recognition. Alka made a rare appearance to receive the award and with her post on Instagram, she also shed light on the serious health condition that has kept her away from public life in recent years.In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the singer revealed that she has been largely absent from the spotlight for nearly two years as she continues to deal with ongoing health challenges. He expressed gratitude to fans and well-wishers whose prayers, messages and support helped him through this difficult time.Alka is battling sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), a rare hearing disorder that she previously revealed was caused by a viral attack.SNHL is considered the most common form of permanent hearing loss. Medical experts explain that the condition develops when the delicate structures of the inner ear—particularly the tiny hair cells located in the cochlea or the auditory nerve responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain—are damaged.These microscopic hair cells are essential for hearing. Unlike other cells in the body, they usually do not regenerate once damaged, which is why the hearing loss associated with SNHL is often permanent. The condition can affect one or both ears and can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly.According to medical information provided by the Cleveland Clinic, sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors. Some people are born with the condition due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth, while others develop it later in life due to viral infections, illnesses, head injuries, long-term exposure to loud noises, or age-related degeneration.In Alka Yagnik’s case, the disorder was caused by a viral attack that affected her auditory system, leading to significant hearing complications.Despite his health struggles, the singer’s contribution to Indian music is unparalleled. The Padma Bhushan honor serves as yet another recognition of his extraordinary legacy, decades of memorable performances and timeless songs that resonate with audiences across generations.
