In Brunei Darussalam, the number of children aged between zero and five years who have been identified as having hearing loss has increased significantly in the past five years. Based on data obtained from the Audiology Unit, the increase is one hundred and twenty-seven percent, from 88 children in 2019 to 200 children in 2024. In a message in conjunction with the World Hearing Day Celebration, the Minister of Health stated that although the number of children diagnosed with hearing loss is high, not all of them involve permanent hearing loss. There are some children who show hearing recovery over time, either naturally, through medical treatment or surgical intervention.
According to Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, for children diagnosed with permanent hearing loss and identified as potentially benefiting from the use of hearing aids, the equipment will be supplied free of charge immediately by His Majesty's Government. From 2019 to 2024, 257 units of hearing aids have been supplied to children under 12 years old.
In line with international best practices, Brunei Darussalam has taken a step forward by implementing the universal coverage of the Infant Hearing Screening Programme since August 2023. Through the programme, the Minister of Health added, every infant has the opportunity to undergo screening as early as the neonatal period, which is in the most critical phase of development to enable referral, diagnosis and intervention to be implemented immediately, thus reducing the risk of long-term effects on the child's development. The Ministry of Health also recorded a significant clinical achievement through the successful bilateral cochlear implant surgery on a six-month-old infant, making Brunei Darussalam among the earliest countries in the region to implement such an intervention at a very young age. The success is not just a technical achievement, but a symbol of the country's commitment in providing the best opportunities for every child.
To ensure that hearing detection does not stop at birth, the School Health Service in collaboration with the Health Promotion Centre, Ministry of Health also implements regular hearing screening tests as part of routine health assessments of students at schools. The Minister of Health stressed that the integration of systematic screening and early intervention programmes into child health and school health plans is essential to ensure better outcomes for children living with ear problems or hearing loss, as well as supporting inclusive and effective learning.
With the theme, "From Community to Classroom: Hearing Care for All Children", this year's celebration reminds us that hearing care cannot be limited to clinics and hospitals alone, but must start at home and be strengthened at the community level with support from the health system, and subsequently ensure its effectiveness in the classroom.
