Alka Yagnik struggles with rare hearing issue, puts music on hold
Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik has given fans a heartfelt update on her health, revealing that a rare hearing disorder continues to impact her ability to record new songs.
More than a year after her diagnosis, the iconic singer said she is still unable to take on new music projects, despite composers frequently approaching her for recordings.
In a candid conversation, Alka spoke about the challenges she has faced since stepping back from the music scene in 2024.
She explained that her condition, identified as sensorineural hearing loss, affects the inner ear and hearing nerves, making it impossible for her to perform or record at the moment.
“Composers approach me now and then. But I am not able to do it,” Alka admitted, highlighting the frustration of being sidelined from a career she has dedicated decades to building.
The disorder reportedly developed suddenly following a viral infection, catching Alka off guard. She had first shared the details of her health publicly in 2024, describing the shocking moment when she realized she could not hear properly after disembarking from a flight.
Doctors later confirmed the diagnosis as a rare nerve-related hearing loss triggered by the viral attack, a condition that has since forced the singer to prioritize her recovery over professional commitments.
Alka’s absence has been felt keenly in the music industry, particularly after her last recorded song, Naram Kaalja, for Imtiaz Ali’s biographical drama Amar Singh Chamkila, composed by A. R. Rahman in 2024. Since then, she has refrained from recording new material, focusing instead on managing her condition and raising awareness about hearing health.
The singer has also cautioned fans against prolonged exposure to loud sounds, including headphones and high-volume music, while requesting their continued prayers and support as she navigates this challenging period.