Alka Yagnik Reveals Rare Hearing Loss Diagnosis Due to Viral Attack

Mumbai: Renowned Bollywood playback singer Alka Yagnik, who dominated the music scene in the 90s with her melodious voice, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss following a sudden viral attack. The singer, known for lending her voice to iconic actresses like Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi, shared this personal news in an emotional Instagram post on Monday.

A Sudden Setback

Alka Yagnik addressed her friends, fans, and well-wishers, explaining her recent absence from the public eye. She recounted the sudden onset of her condition, writing, “A few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt I was not able to hear anything. Having mustered some courage in the weeks following the episode, I want to break my silence now for all my friends and well-wishers who have been asking me why I’m missing in action. It has been diagnosed by my docs as a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack…this sudden, major setback has caught me completely unaware.”

Appeal for Support and Cautionary Advice

In her heartfelt message, Yagnik expressed her need for support during this challenging time. “As I attempt to come to terms with it please keep me in your prayers,” she wrote. She also took the opportunity to advise her fans and young colleagues about the dangers of exposure to loud music and prolonged use of headphones, hinting at the potential long-term health risks associated with her profession. “For my fans and young colleagues, I would add a word of caution regarding exposure to very loud music and headphones. One day, I wish to share the health perils of my professional life. With all your love and support, I am hoping to recalibrate my life and come back to you soon. Your support and understanding will mean the world to me in this critical hour…”

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Legacy and Professional Insights

Alka Yagnik’s illustrious career includes timeless hits like “Pardesi Pardesi,” “Gazab Ka Hai Din,” and “Taal Se Taal Mila.” Despite her current health struggles, her legacy in Bollywood music remains unparalleled. In a 2017 interview with ANI, she shared insights into the challenges of playback singing, emphasizing the importance of adapting to different composers’ styles and enhancing actors’ performances through song. “You are singing for a character and your song should make it easy for the actor to emote and shouldn’t make it difficult for them. It is also a challenge for a playback singer to adapt to the different style of each composer. But then having achieved that, nothing compares to the happiness of a composer telling you that your singing perfectly adapts to their styles,” she said.

Alka Yagnik’s revelation about her rare hearing condition has garnered widespread support and concern from her fans and the music industry. Her openness about her health challenges and her cautionary advice to the younger generation highlight the often-overlooked risks in the music profession. As she seeks to recalibrate her life with the support of her well-wishers, Yagnik’s resilience and dedication to her craft continue to inspire.