The Malaysian Association of Speech-Language and Hearing calls for an increased number of listening and spoken language specialists to address the growing needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. With limited specialists available, early intervention and access to support are crucial for these children's development.
Hee said research shows children who receive appropriate intervention before their first birthday achieve the best results in language, cognition and social skills. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUNThe Malaysian Association of Speech-Language and Hearing has urged the government to recruit more listening and spoken language specialists as there are only three in the country – two in Peninsular Malaysia and one in East Malaysia – with a population of 34.1 million.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently said the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening programme diagnosed 987 infants with hearing problems in 2023. “With UNHS now in place, most children with hearing problems are detected early, which is a positive development but just the first step. Access to timely diagnosis, treatment and long-term support is just as critical.”
Sunway Medical Centre consultant paediatric ENT specialist Dr Priatharisiny Velayutham agreed that there is an urgent need for more trained professionals, despite the presence of about 800 certified audiologists in the country. In Malaysia, between one and three children per 1,000 are affected by hearing loss, with ear infections being the most common cause among school-age children.
She stressed that delayed intervention can lead to irreversible hearing damage, with many individuals suffering 50% hearing loss by the time they seek help or consult a specialist.
DEAF CHILDREN HEARING LOSS EARLY INTERVENTION SPECIALISTS SOCIAL STIGMA
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