Singer Alka Yagnik diagnosed with ‘rare hearing loss’

Acclaimed playback singer, Alka Yagnik has been diagnosed with a “rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss”, she announced via a long Instagram post on Monday. The singer is known for hit numbers like ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai’, ‘Agar Tum Saath Ho’, ‘Dilbar dilbar’ and recently ‘Naram Kaalja’ from Imtiaz Ali’s musical Amar Singh Chamkila.

Addressing her friends and well-wishers in the post, the singer said she had decided to “break the silence” and reveal why she had been “missing in action.”

In a caption to a photo of herself, Alka wrote, “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 sensorineural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack…this sudden, major setback has caught me completely unaware.”

She added, “As I attempt to come to terms with it please keep me in your prayers." The singer further shared a warning against the 'exposure to very loud music and headphones'. 

Alka said, "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…”

Alka was a popular voice, especially in the 90s, and has sung songs for Kajol, Madhuri Dixit, Raveena Tandon and Kareena Kapoor, among others.