PUTRAJAYA: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most common work-related disease reported in Malaysia, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Citing data from the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH), he said hospitals often receive patients who are already at the chronic stage because of industrial noise.
"Based on the National Otorhinolaryngology Registry, nearly 44,000 cases (of hearing loss) have been reported until 2025, with the highest burden detected among adults and the elderly (86.4%)," he said in his speech at the World Hearing Day 2026 celebration here on Friday (April 10).
"We cannot ignore the threat of NIHL.
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"Global statistics also show that nearly one billion youths are at risk of hearing loss due to the practice of listening to music that is too loud using headphones or earbuds over a long period," he said, adding that other contributors to hearing loss include genetic factors and infections.
He urged employers not to neglect their employees' well-being as they are an organisation's greatest asset.
"I urge employers to strengthen the Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP) and comply with the Noise Exposure Regulations 2019.
"To the patients and workers, know your rights. Damage to the auditory nerve from industrial noise is permanent, but it is 100% preventable.
"If the employer does not take responsibility, the employee will fall victim," he added.
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He said that as of February, a total of 50,413 individuals have been registered as persons with hearing disabilities.
"We are very proud to see our students with hearing disabilities obtain excellent results (straight As) in the recent SPM 2025.
"This is clear evidence that with early intervention, they are able to achieve excellence comparable to their peers.
"Family support is the main lifeline. To maximise their potential, the Audiology Service has developed the Malaysian Paediatric Aural Habilitation Module (MyPAHM).
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"This module empowers parents to help children improve listening, understanding and speaking skills systematically at home," he added.
He said the ministry will also continue to strengthen the Ear and Hearing Care ecosystem through the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, which is the mandatory screening for all babies in Health Ministry facilities to ensure detection at the earliest age.
He also said 5,102 patients have benefitted from device financing.
A total of 714 patients have undergone effective surgery under the National Cochlear Implant Programme, now in its 18th year.
