On June 23, veteran singer Alka Yagnik was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The singer has crooned some of the most iconic songs of Hindi cinema and for years has made a huge mark in the hearts of the audience. Which is why, fans truly were While celebrating the recognition. Alka made a rare appearance to receive the award and with her post on Instagram, she also shed light on the serious health condition that has kept her away from public life in recent years.In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the singer revealed that she has remained largely absent from the spotlight for nearly two years as she continues to deal with ongoing health challenges. She also expressed gratitude to fans and well-wishers whose prayers, messages and support have helped her through this difficult period.Alka has been battling Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL), a rare hearing disorder that she had previously disclosed was triggered by a viral attack.SNHL is considered the most common form of permanent hearing impairment. Medical experts explain that the condition develops when the inner ear’s delicate structures—particularly the tiny hair cells located within the cochlea, or the auditory nerve responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain become damaged. These microscopic hair cells are essential for hearing. Unlike many other cells in the body, they generally do not regenerate once damaged, which is why the hearing loss associated with SNHL is often permanent. The condition can affect one or both ears and may develop gradually over time or occur suddenly.According to medical information provided by the Cleveland Clinic, Sensorineural Hearing Loss can result from a variety of factors. Some people are born with the condition due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth, while others develop it later in life because of viral infections, illnesses, head trauma, long-term exposure to loud noise or age-related degeneration.In Alka Yagnik’s case, the disorder was reportedly caused by a viral attack that impacted her auditory system, leading to significant hearing complications.Despite her health struggles, the singer’s contribution to Indian music remains unparalleled. The Padma Bhushan honour serves as yet another recognition of her extraordinary legacy, built over decades of memorable performances and timeless songs that continue to resonate with audiences across generations.
