What is sensory hearing loss, the rare condition Alka Yagnik is diagnosed with?

Alka Yagnik was diagnosed with rare sensorineural hearing loss. Vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins) or metabolic disorders like Fabry disease can lead to this condition

Renowned Bollywood playback singer Alka Yagnik, known for her melodious voice that defined the 90s, has revealed a health condition that has kept her away from the limelight. In a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday, Yagnik shared that she has been diagnosed with a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss caused by a sudden viral attack. The singer, who has lent her voice to numerous iconic actresses from Madhuri Dixit to Sridevi, reached out to her friends and well-wishers for support and understanding during this challenging time.

Understanding sensorineural hearing loss: Causes and cure

Potential causes

Rare sensorineural hearing loss can result from a variety of factors. Dr Murarji Ghadge, Consultant ENT and Sleep Disorder Specialist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, elaborates on the possible causes:

Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) can impact sensory nerves, leading to hearing loss.

Infections: Viral infections such as herpes zoster (shingles) or bacterial infections like Lyme disease can damage sensory nerves, affecting hearing.

Toxic exposure: Exposure to certain toxins, such as heavy metals or specific chemicals, can lead to sensory nerve damage.

Vascular issues: Reduced blood flow to sensory nerves, seen in conditions like vasculitis or diabetic neuropathy, can cause sensory loss.

Trauma: Physical injuries or surgeries near nerves can sometimes result in sensory loss.

Genetic disorders: Inherited conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can progressively affect sensory nerves.

Tumours: Benign or malignant tumors pressing on nerves can cause localized sensory loss.

Metabolic disorders: Vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins) or metabolic disorders like Fabry disease can lead to nerve damage.

Neurological disorders: Diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson's disease can sometimes involve sensory nerve damage.

Idiopathic causes: In some cases, sensory nerve loss occurs without a clear identifiable cause, known as idiopathic sensory neuropathy.

Dr Deepti Sinha, Lead Consultant, Dept of ENT at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, adds that sudden sensorineural hearing loss can also result from inner ear infections or barotrauma, which is pressure-related ear damage often occurring after flights.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing sensorineural hearing loss involves a comprehensive medical history, neurological examination, imaging studies (like MRI), nerve conduction tests, and sometimes nerve biopsies to pinpoint the exact cause.

Treatment varies widely depending on the underlying cause and may include:

Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, antiviral medications, or other specific treatments targeting the underlying cause.

Physical therapy: For cases where nerve damage affects balance or coordination.

Lifestyle changes: Managing contributing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can prevent further nerve damage.

Hearing aids and assistive devices: To manage hearing loss and improve the quality of life.

Surgery: In rare cases where tumors or structural issues are involved.

Preventative measures

To prevent hearing loss and maintain ear health, Dr Sinha recommends the following:

60/60 Rule: Use personal hearing devices at less than 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes a day.

Regular breaks: Avoid continuous headphone usage and take regular breaks.

Protective measures: Use ear protection in noisy environments and avoid proximity to loudspeakers.

Healthy lifestyle: Maintain normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels, consume nutrient-rich foods, and avoid smoking, vaping, and excessive alcohol.

ENT Consultation: Seek immediate medical advice if you suspect hearing loss, especially after events like flights or exposure to loud noise.