RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Ministry of Health emphasized that early detection of hearing loss in children is key to preventing disabilities and ensuring optimal growth and development. This was conveyed in the 2026 World Hearing Day Media Briefing at Jakarta on Monday, 2 March 2026, which carried the theme "From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for Every Child."

The Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, affirmed that hearing plays a fundamental role in a child's life, not only during childhood but also throughout adulthood.

"Hearing is crucial for a child's growth and development. It's not just a matter of child development, but also of language skills, academic achievement, social interaction, and even, later in adulthood, individual productivity," she said.

She noted that hearing loss is often overlooked, despite its far-reaching impact. Children with hearing loss are at risk of experiencing difficulties understanding lessons, communication difficulties, and even social withdrawal.

The Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Ear, Nose, Throat, Head, and Neck Surgeons (PERHATI-KL), Dr. Fikri Mirza Putranto, emphasized that unlike some other sensory disorders, hearing loss that is treated early has a high chance of recovery.

"Unlike visual impairments, hearing impairments, if treated early, can be restored to normal function," he said.

He explained that many cases of hearing loss in children are caused by treatable factors, such as ear infections or earwax buildup. However, delayed treatment can make the disorder more severe.

In commemoration of World Hearing Day 2026, the government is encouraging the public, schools, healthcare workers, and parents to actively engage in early detection. Education on the safe use of earphones and the treatment of ear infections is also being intensified.

"Early detection is key," Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi emphasized.

The government, through the Free Health Check (CKG) program, now includes hearing screenings as part of routine screenings, from newborns to the elderly. By 2025, 18.6 million people aged 7 and over will have undergone screening, with approximately 1.8 percent found to have ear disorders.