Founder and group CEO of 20dB Hearing aims to bring auditory wellness into mainstream conversation by highlighting the importance of acoustic health preservation
Options: How and why did you start 20dB Hearing?
Mok Yong Yaw: Initially, I knew very little about audiologists and only wanted to enter healthcare mainly because it is a ‘helping industry’. After graduating from university, I had the opportunity to work for a manufacturer. That was when it became clear that the service level in audiology was very low. This inspired me to do more, so I started a centre staffed by licensed hearing-care professionals.
As a practising audiologist, what were some of the biggest gaps you observed in hearing healthcare?
In the past, those with hearing problems did not know where to go. Access to care was very limited, especially for those living outside cities.
Besides that, many hearing-aid centres were not run by audiologists, but by hearing-aid dispensers who were briefly trained through experience or by manufacturers. Tests were often less comprehensive, leading to inaccurate results that affected intervention. Hearing-aid fitting was also very basic and based on feeling rather than scientific methods that take into account frequency loss and patient lifestyle.
Many associate the condition with ageing. How true is this?
That is not necessarily true. Many young children and newborns experience hearing loss. In fact, statistics show that one to three in every 1,000 babies are born with it. For minors, the impact is especially severe as the critical window for speech and language development occurs before the age of four.
Are there any lifestyle habits contributing to hearing loss that particularly concern you?
It is not a sudden occurrence but something that happens gradually over time. Those who work in fields that require constant exposure to loud sounds — factories, construction, music and entertainment — are most at risk.
Outside of that, listening at a high volume through earbuds or even spending too much time in noisy, enclosed environments such as karaoke rooms or concert venues can impact your ears.
What are some signs of hearing loss?
Not being able to hear high-frequency sounds. These are the subtle clicks that are made when you unlock a car door, turn on an air conditioner or ring certain doorbells. Unfortunately, it usually gets overlooked or goes unnoticed, but people who experience it may have problems carrying out conversations even in slightly noisy environments, like parties or social gatherings. For children, the pronunciation of the letters ‘s’ and ‘f’ can give it away as the cues are softer and higher pitched.
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Unitron and Phonak are among some of the brands carried by 20dB Hearing
What is the meaning behind your company name, ‘20dB Hearing’?
We measure sound levels in decibels and 20dB is the normal hearing threshold. Having it as the company name creates curiosity. In turn, it calls for consideration from the public, whether or not their sense of hearing is at this level. And if they do not know, it will push them to find out.
Your focus is not purely on supplying aid to those hard of hearing, but also on prevention and detection. Tell us more.
We target different age groups. For newborns and children, hearing levels are detected through screenings and tests. Play Audiometry is engaging and designed to be game-like, which is ideal for young kids. Adults undergo a similar behavioural assessment called Pure Tone Audiometry.
If an issue is detected, then we will proceed with finding the right solution. Commonly, 80% of cases can be helped with hearing aids, while the more severe cases require cochlear implants. These are attached surgically by ENT [ear, nose and throat] specialists.
We also offer assistive listening devices or FM (frequency modulation) systems that are helpful in settings such as meeting and classrooms. Speech therapy services are also available.
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How often should someone go for a hearing check?
I would recommend that anyone, no matter the age, to do a test at least once in their lifetime. This way, you can establish your baseline hearing threshold and monitor any changes. Otherwise, individuals over 40 can get checked every two years while an annual screening would be the best for those above 50.
What are your top three practices for maintaining good hearing?
Prevention is better than cure, so avoid loud music or noise for prolonged periods if you can. Second, use protection — if not noise plugs, some earbuds and headphones have noise reduction features that work as well.
Beyond the condition itself, what are some misconceptions about hearing loss and impairment?
It is regularly assumed that having hearing problems immediately equates to deafness. There are actually different categories and degrees of hearing loss, depending on the severity and affected part of the ear.
Aside from psychological impacts such as depression, hearing loss is also a risk factor for dementia.
Societal stigma still persists, with the condition often being linked to perceived incompetence. There have actually been many successful cases where patients can communicate without using sign language, graduate from university and have regular jobs.
20dB Hearing has grown significantly over the years. What does the next chapter hold?
We have expanded to more than 30 stores in Malaysia and 11 in Singapore. The next step is raising awareness so prevention, detection and intervention can start early. This can improve quality of life — not only for the patient, but their family and loved ones too.
If you could name three sounds that appealed to you in life, what would they be?
I like the roar of ocean waves. Going to the beach helps me reflect because the sounds are relaxing and peaceful. Another would be the voices of my children — their laughter and cries — they remind me of home. I also like listening to classical music and particularly enjoy the piano.
