Alka Yagnik speaks about her sensorineural hearing loss: What is it?

Alka Yagnik, a renowned Indian playback singer, has discussed her experience with sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a type of hearing loss that occurs due to damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. This form of hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, exposure to loud noises, head trauma, infections, and certain medical conditions or medications.

Key Points about Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL):

1. Causes:

   • Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis): Natural degeneration of hearing ability with age.
   • Noise-induced hearing loss: Damage from prolonged exposure to loud noises.
   • Infections: Viral infections such as measles, mumps, or meningitis.
   • Ototoxic medications: Certain drugs that can damage the inner ear, like some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs.
   • Head injuries: Trauma to the head can damage the inner ear structures or the auditory nerve.
   • Genetic factors: Inherited conditions that affect hearing.
   • Medical conditions: Diseases such as Meniere’s disease, diabetes, or tumors like acoustic neuroma.

2. Symptoms:

   • Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
   • Sounds may seem muffled or unclear.
   • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may be present.
   • In some cases, dizziness or balance issues can occur.

3. Diagnosis:

   • Hearing tests (audiometry): Measure the degree of hearing loss.
   • Imaging tests (MRI or CT scans): Used to check for structural issues or tumors.
   • Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): Assess the function of the inner ear hair cells.

4. Treatment:

   • Hearing aids: Amplify sounds to improve hearing.
   • Cochlear implants: Electronic devices that can provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.
   • Medications: In some cases, steroids can help reduce inflammation and improve hearing.
   • Therapies: Auditory rehabilitation and speech therapy can assist in managing hearing loss.
5. Prevention:
   • Protect ears from loud noises by using earplugs or earmuffs.
   • Avoid prolonged exposure to loud music or environments.
   • Regular hearing check-ups, especially if you have risk factors.

Alka Yagnik’s revelation about her sensorineural hearing loss highlights the importance of awareness and timely management of hearing health.