What Is Post-viral Sensorineural Hearing Loss? Know Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment Options Of The Condition Alka Yagnik Is Battling

Post-viral Sensorineural Hearing Loss can occur after a viral infection, leading to inner ear or auditory nerve damage.

Know Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment Of Post-viral Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Source : Instagram/Alka Yagnik

Alka Yagnik has recently opened up about her battle with a hearing disorder. It's a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss caused by a sudden viral attack. In a heartfelt Instagram post on June 17, she shared that the diagnosis was a sudden major setback that caught her off guard. She expressed that she is still adjusting to it and requested everyone's support and understanding during this challenging time.

Additionally, Alka cautioned her fans and young colleagues about the dangers of exposure to loud music and headphones, highlighting the health risks of her profession. 

What Is Post-viral Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Post-viral Sensorineural Hearing Loss can occur after a viral infection, leading to inner ear or auditory nerve damage. According to Dr Vicky S. Khattar  Consultant,  ENT department at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, "Sudden hearing loss of the nerve type that we call sensorineural hearing loss is often preceded by a viral infection and may even present as a cold cough or even a sore throat that usually occurs five to seven days before the hearing loss."

Adding to this, Dr Murarji Ghadge, Consultant ENT and Sleep Disorder Specialist at Ruby Hall Clinic Pune, "Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) is a hearing disorder where sound enters the inner ear normally, but the transmission of signals from the inner ear to the brain is impaired. This results in a disconnection between what the ear hears and what the brain processes. ANSD can vary in severity and impact, causing anything from mild hearing difficulties to profound hearing loss."

Early Symptoms:

Dr Manu S Babu, Consultant ENT, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune listed the early symptoms of Post-viral Sensorineural Hearing Loss

• Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears Persistent tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
• Vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation)
• Ear fullness or pressure
• Difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy settings

Risk Factors:

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing PVSHL. Some of them listed by Dr Manu S Babu are:

• Previous Viral Infections especially COVID-19.
• Older adults are more at risk
• Weakened Immune System due to long-standing illness
• A family history of hearing loss or susceptibility to viral infections
• Exposure to Loud Noises 

Diagnosis And Treatment:

Among the diagnostic procedures as suggested by Dr Manu S Babu are:

• Audiometry (tests of hearing) CT or MRI scans to rule out further reasons
• Blood testing for the detection of viral infections

The options for treatment suggested by him are:

• Using steroids to treat inflammation antiviral drugs if a particular virus is discovered
• Hearing aids to amplify sounds
• Cochlear implants in extreme circumstances
• Speech therapy and audiological rehabilitation