Hearing Disorders Are Often Late To Be Aware Of, This Is The Importance Of Screening Since Baby

JAKARTA - Every March 3, World Hearing Day is celebrated as a moment to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining hearing health.

In 2025, this commemoration raises the theme "Change the mindset: Empower Yourself to Create Ear and Hearing Care". This theme aims to encourage the public to understand the importance of early detection of hearing loss and expanding access to ear health services for all people, especially children.

Dr. dr. Tri Juda Airlangga, SpTHT-BKL, Subsp.K(K), Chairman of PERHATI-KL DKI Jakarta Branch, said this warning is expected to raise the awareness of many people about the importance of early detection of hearing loss, especially in children.

He explained that not a few parents often do not realize hearing loss because of the symptoms that are not seen directly.

"Unlike other health problems that are easily recognized, hearing loss in babies often escapes attention. Parents actually only realized when their children were late in speaking compared to children their age," said doctor Airlangga at the Social Service Week, which was held by the Kasoem Hearing Center, PERHATI-KL DKI Jakarta at Pasar Rebo Hospital, Jakarta, Sunday, February 23, 2025.

He reminded the importance of implementing the 1-3-6 program, namely hearing screening before the baby is one month old, detection of disorders before the age of three months, and maximum treatment at the age of six months.

"The faster hearing loss is detected, the greater the chance of children developing optimally, especially in terms of communication," he added.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) showing that by 2030, more than 500 million people are expected to experience hearing impairments and require rehabilitation. In addition, more than one billion young people are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises without protection.

Through this social activity, PERHATI-KL wants to increase public awareness about the risk of hearing loss and the importance of periodic ear examinations. This Social Service Week runs from 17 to 23 February 2025 in five locations in DKI Jakarta, providing free inspection services to ensure more individuals can access ear health services from an early age.

"The health of hearing is not just a matter of hearing ability, but also plays an important role in the development of speech, education, and the quality of life of a person. Therefore, early detection and handling are very crucial," added doctor Airlangga.

In an effort to strengthen public awareness of the importance of maintaining hearing health, collaboration between the medical and private sectors is the key to expanding the reach of education and inspection services.

This was confirmed by the Deputy CEO of the Kasoem Group, Trista Mutia Kasoem, who highlighted his commitment to supporting preventive and rehabilitative measures in the field of hearing health.

"We believe that with education and routine examinations, many cases of hearing loss can be prevented and treated earlier," said Trista.