Hearing is an important part of everyday life. It helps us communicate with our loved ones, participate in conversations, enjoy entertainment and stay connected to the world around us.
But how common are hearing difficulties in Malaysia?
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, 3.2% of Malaysian adults reported hearing difficulty, even when using hearing aids. This means approximately 3 out of every 100 adults surveyed reported difficulty with hearing.
While this may appear to be a small percentage, it highlights an important point: hearing difficulties can affect people in our communities, and they should not simply be ignored.
Understanding the 3.2% Statistic
The 3.2% figure comes from NHMS 2023, which assessed several areas of functional difficulty among Malaysian adults, including hearing.
It is important to understand that 3.2% does not mean that only 3.2% of Malaysians have hearing loss.
The survey measured reported hearing difficulty, which is different from a clinical diagnosis of hearing loss based on an audiogram.
For example, someone may be able to hear sounds but still experience difficulty:
- Understanding speech in noisy places
- Following conversations with several people
- Hearing soft voices
- Understanding what others are saying when they speak from another room
- Listening to the television at a comfortable volume
These everyday difficulties can sometimes be signs that a person’s hearing should be assessed more closely.
Hearing Sounds vs Understanding Speech
One common misconception is:
“I can hear people talking, so my hearing must be fine.”
However, hearing is more than simply detecting sound.
Our ears pick up sounds, while our brain processes and gives meaning to those sounds. This is why a person may hear someone speaking but still struggle to understand the words clearly.
This can be particularly noticeable in places with background noise, such as restaurants, shopping malls, family gatherings or busy workplaces.
If you regularly find yourself saying “I can hear them, but I can’t understand what they’re saying,” it may be worth having your hearing checked.
Why Do People Delay Seeking Help?
NHMS 2023 also reported an important finding: among adults who experienced hearing difficulty, only 26% sought help for their hearing difficulty in the previous 12 months.
This means that 26% is not the percentage of Malaysians with hearing loss. Instead, it represents the proportion of people who reported hearing difficulty and then sought help.
Many people may delay seeking help because hearing changes can happen gradually. They may adapt to the changes without realising it, increase the television volume or simply ask others to repeat themselves more often.
Some may also assume that hearing difficulty is simply a normal part of getting older.
But while hearing can naturally change with age, persistent difficulty hearing or understanding speech deserves attention.
Hearing Difficulty and Age
Age is one factor associated with hearing and functional difficulties.
NHMS 2023 reported that overall functional difficulty increased with age, with adults aged 60 years and above experiencing a higher prevalence than younger age groups.
This is one reason why hearing checks can become increasingly important as we get older.
However, hearing concerns are not limited to older adults. Noise exposure, certain medical conditions, medications and other factors can also affect hearing.
That is why it is important to pay attention to changes in your hearing at any age.
When Should You Consider a Hearing Test?
You may want to consider a hearing assessment if you or your family notice that you:
- Frequently ask people to repeat themselves
- Struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments
- Need the television volume to be louder
- Have difficulty understanding soft voices
- Often misunderstand what people say
- Find group conversations challenging
- Feel that people are mumbling
- Have family members commenting on your hearing
A professional hearing assessment can provide a clearer picture of your hearing ability and help identify whether further evaluation or hearing solutions may be appropriate.
Take Your Hearing Health Seriously
Hearing difficulties may sometimes develop so gradually that we do not notice them immediately.
However, small changes in hearing can eventually affect communication, relationships and participation in everyday activities.
The NHMS 2023 findings remind us that hearing difficulty is a health concern worth paying attention to — and that many people who experience hearing difficulty may not seek help.
You don’t have to wait until your hearing becomes a major problem before getting it checked.
If you have noticed changes in your hearing, or your family has started pointing them out, consider speaking with an audiologist.
Take the First Step Towards Better Hearing
At Soundlife Hearing, our audiologists can help you understand your hearing and discuss the appropriate next steps based on your individual needs.
Book a hearing assessment today and take the first step towards clearer communication and better hearing health.
References
Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia. National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023: Technical Report. The report provides the national prevalence of hearing difficulty among Malaysian adults, including the 3.2% figure.
Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia. NHMS 2023 Key Findings. The report provides information on help-seeking among adults experiencing hearing difficulty, including the 26% figure.
Official NHMS 2023 Portal: Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia.