Legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik has opened up about her health struggles and her gradual recovery journey after receiving the prestigious Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours, on the eve of June 23.Taking to social media, the veteran singer shared an emotional note reflecting on the past two years, revealing that she had largely stayed away from the public eye due to health challenges.Alka began her note by writing, “For the last two years, I have stayed away from the spotlight, from public appearances, and from sharing much of my journey. Many of you knew I am going through difficult health and through it all, your love, prayers, messages, and unwavering support have stayed with me every step of the way.”Speaking about being honoured with the Padma Bhushan, she said “ This moment feels especially meaningful because it marks not just a recognition of my work, but a reminder of the strength that comes from love, hope, and resilience. I am slowly finding my way back, and I wanted to be here today - not only for myself, but for each and every one of you who have been a part of this journey.”Alka Yagnik health: What happened to the singer?Bollywood singer Alka Yagnik had previously revealed that she has been diagnosed with a rare condition known as sensorineural nerve hearing loss. What is sensorineural nerve hearing loss? Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) refers to damage in the inner ear or the nerve pathways that transmit sound signals from the ear to the brain. It is considered relatively rare, accounting for about 5–15% of all hearing loss cases. The condition can be caused by multiple factors, including loud noise exposure, infections, autoimmune disorders, trauma, neurological or vascular issues, certain medications, and in rare cases, tumours. It can affect individuals across all age groups and may develop due to both temporary and permanent conditions. Causes of sensorineural nerve hearing loss The condition may be either congenital or acquired later in life. Congenital causes include genetic factors or complications during pregnancy. Acquired causes include: Noise exposure: Long-term exposure to loud sounds leading to noise-induced hearing loss Ageing: Gradual degeneration of inner ear structures with age Infections and diseases: Such as meningitis, mumps, measles, and autoimmune conditions like Ménière’s disease Trauma: Head injuries affecting the auditory nerve Ototoxic medications: Certain drugs that can damage inner ear sensory cells Symptoms and treatment Common symptoms include difficulty understanding speech, muffled hearing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, and balance issues. In most cases, the condition is irreversible. However, treatments such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, medications, and assistive listening devices can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.