Alarming surge in hearing loss cases in Brunei
Southeast Asian nation sees sharp rise in diagnosis, minister urges early detection
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei Darussalam (MNTV) – The number of people diagnosed with hearing loss in Brunei Darussalam, a small but wealthy Southeast Asian nation on the island of Borneo, has seen a significant surge, with 1,263 new cases reported in 2024.
Among them, 468 individuals require hearing aids, according to the country’s health minister.
Brunei’s Minister of Health, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, shared the alarming figures in a statement marking World Hearing Day 2025.
He noted a sharp increase in bilateral hearing loss cases among individuals aged 12 and above—from 624 in 2023 to 817 in 2024.
The Audiology Unit at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital has reported a notable rise in new diagnoses.
The Infant Hearing Screening Programme at Suri Seri Begawan Hospital in Kuala Belait also saw an increase in hearing-related issues among newborns, jumping from three cases in 2023 to 10 in 2024.
Dr Jaafar underscored the importance of early detection and intervention in preventing long-term complications.
“Early care and detection not only support faster recovery but also reduce the risk of permanent hearing loss caused by poor ear care,” he stated.
Brunei Darussalam, a sovereign state in Southeast Asia known for its rich oil and gas reserves, is now ramping up awareness efforts to tackle the growing public health concern of hearing impairment.
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