The world is in shock after singer Alka Yagnik suddenly lost her hearing. However, health experts say that such a condition can happen to anyone at any time. This is a condition called Sudden Sensorineural Deafness.

It usually affects either ear. Very rarely both ears are affected. It is reported that both ears of Alka are affected. Ear damage due to noise pollution and virus infection are the culprits in such situations. Sudden Sensorineural Deafness is a condition where the sound waves that reach the cochlea do not reach the brain. The malfunction occurs in the nerves. People who are regularly exposed to noise pollution will have reduced capacity of the inner ear. Any infection in the body at this stage will spread to other parts including the cochlea. It can cause hearing loss. Dr John Panicker points out that such a condition occurs when the nerves from the cochlea are ruptured during accidents and tumours form in the nerves.

The villains: Noise pollution and viruses

Symptoms

The main symptoms are occasional hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness and feeling like something is swollen inside the ear. It can be aggravated after viral infections including common cold. So don't ignore the symptoms and see an ENT doctor for an ear test.

Precautions

• Do not spend too much time in noisy places. Otherwise, preventive measures should be taken
• Don't use earphones regularly. If used for 10 minutes, it should be kept away for at least five minutes

Solution

Most cases of sudden sensory neural deafness can be resolved with steroid medications. Otherwise, hearing can be restored through cochlear implantation. However, it will not be as effective as normal hearing.