Veteran singer Alka Yagnik was conferred the Padma Bhushan on Tuesday (June 23) at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. Two years earlier, she had revealed on social media that she was suffering from a rare hearing loss condition. She wrote, "To all my fans, friends, followers and well-wishers: A few weeks ago, as I stepped off a flight, I suddenly realised I could not hear anything. After gathering some courage in the weeks that followed this incident, I now wish to break my silence for all my friends and well-wishers who have been wondering why I have been missing in action. My doctors have diagnosed it as a rare sensorineural hearing loss caused by a viral attack... This sudden and serious setback took me completely by surprise."
After receiving the prestigious honour, the 60-year-old playback singer posted a message on Instagram. She wrote, "Today, as I went to accept one of the nation’s highest civilian awards – the esteemed Padma Bhushan – my heart was filled with gratitude. This recognition is profoundly humbling, and although it bears my name, it equally belongs to every listener who has embraced my voice, passed my songs down through generations, and supported me through both triumphs and difficult times."
Alka Yagnik has been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), the most prevalent form of permanent hearing impairment. This condition can affect either one ear or both and may progress slowly over time or appear abruptly. In her case, the hearing loss was triggered by a viral infection, but there are numerous other causes that can harm your hearing. Continue reading to learn about additional factors that can lead to hearing damage.
Repeated exposure to loud sounds is one of the leading causes of hearing damage. Playing music at very high volumes through earphones, going to loud concerts, or working near noisy machinery can injure the fragile hair cells in the inner ear. These cells are responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain, and once they are harmed, they do not regenerate. Even a single incident of extremely loud noise, such as an explosion or a firecracker, can impair hearing. Maintaining a moderate volume and wearing ear protection in noisy environments can help lower the risk.
As individuals age, their hearing typically diminishes as a natural part of the ageing process. This decline occurs because the internal structures of the ear gradually deteriorate over time. Older adults may struggle to detect high-frequency sounds or to follow conversations, particularly in busy or noisy environments. While ageing itself cannot be stopped, routine hearing assessments and safeguarding the ears from loud noise can help reduce the risk of additional hearing damage.
3. Use of certain Medicines
Certain medications can damage hearing, and these are called ototoxic drugs. Some antibiotics, cancer therapies, and very high doses of painkillers can affect the inner ear and cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. It is important for people to always use medications exactly as directed by their doctor.
Many individuals use cotton swabs, hairpins, or similar items to clean their ears. However, this practice can push earwax further into the ear canal, damage the eardrum, or lead to infections. In most cases, the ear naturally clears out wax on its own. If a buildup of earwax causes discomfort or affects hearing, it is safer to seek help from a healthcare professional rather than attempting to remove it at home.
A strong impact to the head can harm the structures of the ear, the auditory nerves, or the parts of the brain that control hearing. Incidents such as sports injuries, traffic accidents, or falls can cause sudden hearing problems. Using helmets when riding bicycles or motorcycles and adhering to safety precautions during sports can reduce the risk of head trauma and the associated hearing loss.
Smoking restricts blood flow throughout the body, including to the ears. Inadequate circulation can harm the delicate cells responsible for hearing. Heavy alcohol use, an unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity can also raise the likelihood of hearing issues. Leading a healthy lifestyle supports proper blood circulation and helps the ears work effectively.