Nearly 7,000 Malaysian workers suffer from work-related hearing disorders

Nearly 7,000 workers in Malaysia were diagnosed with work-related hearing disorders in 2024, making hearing-related conditions the most common category of occupational disease recorded in the country, according to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).

Hearing-related conditions accounted for 82.3% of the 8,196 confirmed occupational disease cases recorded nationwide last year. The figures highlight the continuing risks posed by excessive workplace noise, particularly in Malaysia’s industrial sector.

Speaking at the East Coast Zone Occupational Health Symposium 2026, DOSH deputy director-general Ahmad Jailani Mansor said prolonged exposure to excessive noise remained a major contributor to the high number of hearing-related occupational diseases.

Employers required to provide hearing protection

Under Malaysia’s Noise Exposure Regulations 2019, employers are required to provide hearing protection and arrange annual hearing assessments when workers’ noise exposure reaches 82 decibels averaged over an eight-hour working shift.

Employers must also report confirmed cases of noise-induced hearing loss to DOSH. Failure to report such cases constitutes an offence under the regulations.

The requirements are intended to strengthen early detection and prevention of hearing damage among workers who are routinely exposed to high noise levels.

Noise-induced hearing loss eligible for SOCSO compensation

Noise-induced hearing loss is recognised as a compensable occupational disease under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Employment Injury Scheme.

Workers affected by the condition may be eligible for Temporary Disablement Benefits or Permanent Disablement Benefits, depending on the severity of their condition and subject to medical evidence establishing a link between the hearing loss and workplace exposure.

Ahmad Jailani stressed the need for employers and other stakeholders to maintain efforts to prevent, control and manage occupational health risks as workplace health challenges become increasingly complex.

Musculoskeletal disorders among other occupational diseases

Of the 8,196 occupational disease cases confirmed in 2024, 820 involved musculoskeletal disorders, while 299 were diseases caused by physical agents.

The data also recorded 203 cases of occupational poisoning and 82 skin diseases. Biological agents accounted for 24 cases, while 16 cases involved occupational lung diseases.

Malaysia recorded three cases of occupational cancer and two cases of psychosocial disorders during the year.

Overall, 11,465 occupational disease cases were reported nationwide in 2024, of which 8,196 were subsequently confirmed.