Alka Yagnik diagnosed with rare hearing disorder

Alka Yagnik diagnosed with rare hearing disorder

It has been diagnosed by my docs as a rare sensory neural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack… This sudden, major setback has caught me completely unaware,’ the 58-year-old singer wrote.

In a post on Instagram on Monday night, Yagnik, 58, said she has been diagnosed with “sensory neural nerve hearing loss” due to a viral attack. “To all my fans, friends, followers and well wishers. 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 sensory neural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack… This sudden, major setback has caught me completely unaware,” the two-time National Award winner wrote.

Understanding Sensorineural Hearing Loss Due to Viral Infections

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a common form of hearing impairment resulting from damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve pathways. Among the various causes of SNHL, viral infections are particularly noteworthy for their ability to affect hearing suddenly and severely. This article delves into the nature of sensorineural hearing loss caused by viral infections, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

The Mechanism of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the hair cells in the cochlea (inner ear) or the auditory nerve that transmits sound signals to the brain. Unlike conductive hearing loss, which involves obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear, SNHL affects the sensory and neural components essential for hearing.

Viral Infections and Hearing Loss

Several viruses are known to cause sensorineural hearing loss, either as a primary symptom or a complication of a broader infection. The most common viruses associated with SNHL include:

1. Mumps:

   • Mumps can lead to sudden, unilateral hearing loss. The virus directly damages the cochlea, particularly the hair cells and the stria vascularis, which are crucial for normal hearing.

2. Measles:

   • Measles can cause bilateral hearing loss through a combination of cochlear damage and encephalitis, which affects the auditory pathways in the brain.

3. Cytomegalovirus (CMV):

   • CMV is a significant cause of congenital hearing loss. It can damage the inner ear structures and the auditory nerve in infants infected before birth.

4. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):

   • HSV can lead to acute and profound hearing loss, often linked to inflammation and damage to the auditory nerve.

5. Influenza:

   • Severe cases of influenza can sometimes result in sensorineural hearing loss, typically due to complications like viral labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear).

6. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV):

   • HIV can cause gradual hearing loss due to its direct effect on the central nervous system and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections.

Symptoms of Virus-Induced SNHL

The symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss due to a viral infection can vary but often include:

• Sudden or gradual hearing loss in one or both ears
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Vertigo or balance issues
• Fullness or pressure in the ear
• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments

Diagnosis

Diagnosing sensorineural hearing loss involves a comprehensive assessment, including:

1. Medical History and Physical Examination:

   • A detailed history of the patient’s symptoms and any recent viral infections is crucial.

2. Audiometric Tests:

   • Pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry help determine the degree and type of hearing loss.

3. Imaging Studies:

   • MRI or CT scans may be used to assess the inner ear structures and rule out other causes of hearing loss.

4. Laboratory Tests:

   • Blood tests can identify viral infections and immune responses.

Treatment Options

Treatment for sensorineural hearing loss caused by viral infections varies depending on the virus involved and the severity of the hearing loss:

1. Antiviral Medications:

   • Antiviral drugs can be effective if administered early in the course of the infection, particularly for HSV and CMV.

2. Corticosteroids:

   • These are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling in the inner ear.

3. Hearing Aids:

   • For patients with permanent hearing loss, hearing aids can amplify sound and improve communication.

4. Cochlear Implants:

   • In cases of profound hearing loss where hearing aids are ineffective, cochlear implants can provide significant benefits.

5. Rehabilitation:

   • Auditory rehabilitation and speech therapy can help patients adapt to their hearing loss and improve their communication skills.

Prevention and Awareness

Preventing viral infections through vaccination is a key strategy in reducing the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss. Vaccines for mumps, measles, and influenza are highly effective and widely recommended. Pregnant women should be screened for CMV and other infections to prevent congenital hearing loss.