Popular singer Alka Yagnik was seen at the Padma Awards ceremony held in New Delhi on June 23, where she was honored with the Padma Bhushan. The singer had stayed completely out of the limelight for two years. She appeared visibly frail due to a peculiar medical condition.

A woman was accompanying her to provide support. In one video, she was seen seated in a wheelchair. As the video surfaced, fans grew concerned about her health.

**Alka Yagnik's Post**
Alka shared a detailed post regarding this, writing, "For the past two years, I have stayed away from the limelight, public events, and sharing details about my travels. Many of you are aware that I have been going through a difficult phase regarding my health. Throughout this time, your love, prayers, messages, and unwavering support have been with me at every step." Singers Kumar Sanu and Shaan, along with actress Bhumi Pednekar, congratulated Alka and offered words of encouragement on her post. In 2024, Alka revealed on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with a rare condition called Sensorineural Hearing Loss. This issue was triggered suddenly by a viral attack, which impaired her hearing ability. Due to this condition, she had to step away from playback singing in 2024.

**What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?**
Sensorineural Hearing Loss is the most common type of permanent hearing loss. According to medical reports, it occurs when the delicate structures of the inner ear—specifically the tiny hair cells within the cochlea or the auditory nerve that transmits sound signals to the brain—become damaged.

These tiny hair cells play a crucial role in enabling hearing. Once damaged, they generally do not heal on their own, often resulting in permanent hearing loss. This condition can affect one or both ears. It can develop either gradually or suddenly.

What is the cause?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, SNHL can result from various factors. In some individuals, the condition is present from birth due to complications during pregnancy or delivery. In others, it may develop later in life due to infections, viral illnesses, head injuries, prolonged exposure to loud noise, or age-related hearing loss.

In Alka Yagnik's case, the hearing loss was reportedly linked to a viral infection that affected her auditory system.

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