Alka Yagnik’s Padma Bhushan Appearance: Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik made a rare public appearance on June 23, 2026, to receive the prestigious Padma Bhushan from President Droupadi Murmu during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. While the moment marked one of the biggest honours of her four-decade-long musical career, it also sparked concern among fans after videos from the ceremony showed the singer being assisted as she walked to the stage.
Alka Yagnik’s Padma Bhushan Appearance
“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,” she wrote.
#WATCH | Delhi | Eminent playback singer Alka Yagnik conferred with Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu
(Video source: Rashtrapati Bhavan) pic.twitter.com/ui2U9koEMy
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2026
Calling the Padma Bhushan a deeply humbling honour, the singer added that she is “slowly finding my way back,” describing the occasion as both a professional milestone and a symbol of resilience.
The Rare Hearing Disorder
Alka Yagnik first revealed in June 2024 that she had been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) after suffering a sudden viral attack shortly after stepping off a flight. Though sensorineural hearing loss is typically associated with long-term progressive issues, in rare instances it can come on suddenly. For example, some people develop SNHL following a viral infection. SNHL involves damage either to hair cells that reside in the snail-shaped cochlea in your inner ear, or to your auditory nerve (which carries sounds to the brain).
SNHL is very different to a loss caused by build-up of ear wax or infections in the outer or middle ear. Doctors call sudden sensorineural hearing loss an emergency, and when it is diagnosed the chances of recovering your hearing greatly improve.
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Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Viral infections affecting the inner ear
- Age-related degeneration
- Long-term exposure to loud sounds
- Autoimmune disorders
- Head injuries
- Certain medications that damage hearing (ototoxic drugs)
- Tumours involving the auditory nerve
Common Symptoms
People experiencing sensorineural hearing loss may notice:
- Sudden or gradual hearing loss in one or both ears
- Muffled sounds
- Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy surroundings
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or balance problems in some cases
- Trouble distinguishing speech despite hearing sounds
Can Sensorineural Hearing Loss Be Cured?
The treatment that comes with sensorineural hearing loss greatly depends upon the expediency of your diagnosis. If it is discovered earlier, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids. Additionally antiviral medicine might be supplied if your condition appears related to infection but its’ effects in this regard very largely depending upon the form of virus you are suffering from.
