In conjunction with World Hearing Day, celebrated annually on 3 March, the public is encouraged to pause and reflect on the importance of hearing in daily life. Many people only realise the true value of hearing when it begins to deteriorate. At that point, the voices of loved ones seem distant, conversations become difficult, and the world feels increasingly silent.

For 2026, the theme “From communities to classrooms: Hearing care for all children” reminds us that hearing care should begin at home, be strengthened in schools, and be supported by the community across all age groups. In everyday life, hearing enables individuals to work, learn, communicate, and build social relationships. Without good hearing, a person may feel isolated and lose confidence.

In Malaysia, it is estimated that more than 20 per cent of the population experience some degree of hearing impairment. This problem does not only affect older adults but also impacts young adults and adolescents. Major contributing factors include recurrent ear infections, occupational exposure to noisy environments, and excessive exposure to sound from personal audio devices.

In the digital era, prolonged use of earphones has become a major challenge. Excessively loud sounds can permanently damage sensory cells in the inner ear without causing pain. This damage occurs gradually, and many individuals only become aware of it when hearing has significantly declined and is difficult to restore.

Hearing problems also affect mental health. Individuals with hearing difficulties are more likely to experience emotional stress, depression, and social withdrawal. Among older adults, hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of memory decline and dementia.

Preventive measures are simple if practised consistently. Hearing care should be viewed as a lifelong responsibility. The World Health Organization recommends the 60/60 rule, which involves keeping volume levels below 60 per cent and limiting the use of audio devices to no more than 60 minutes before taking a break. Over-ear headphones are also safer than earbuds, as they do not direct sound straight into the eardrum.

For individuals working in noisy environments such as factories and construction sites, the use of hearing protection devices is an important preventive measure.

Hearing examinations and screenings should be conducted regularly, especially for individuals at high risk. Early detection allows treatment to be provided before damage becomes more severe. Hearing screening should be strengthened in schools, workplaces, and health clinics as part of routine health assessments.

For individuals diagnosed with hearing problems, prompt treatment is essential. Hearing aids and rehabilitation therapy have been proven to improve communication skills and self-confidence.

Advances in medical technology now offer various treatment options, including digital hearing aids and cochlear implants for severe cases. However, treatment success largely depends on the timing of intervention. Early treatment produces far better outcomes than delayed intervention.

Hearing issues are not merely health concerns. They are closely related to productivity, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. If left unaddressed, the social and economic burden on the nation will increase in the long term.

Therefore, efforts to strengthen ear health education, enhance early screening, and control excessive noise exposure must be continuously reinforced.

Hearing care should become part of a healthy lifestyle culture, just like heart health and proper nutrition. From communities to classrooms, every sector has a role in building a society that is more aware of hearing health.

The small actions taken today will determine whether society will continue to hear, communicate, and enjoy life meaningfully in the future.

Dr. Mohd Hazmi bin Mohamed
Medical Lecturer / Otorhinolaryngologist
Department of Otorhinolaryngology
Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Universiti Putra Malaysia
012-9537223
mdhazmi@upm.edu.my

Date of Input: 03/03/2026 | Updated: 03/03/2026 | nadia_rahman