Resources

Over a billion young people worldwide are at risk of developing hearing loss due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices, exposure to damaging levels of sound in noisy entertainment venues as well as from videogames and esports. The WHO "Make Listening Safe" Initiative draws attention to the rising problem of sound-induced hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sounds.

WHO has partnered with ITU to bring together governments, health professionals, academia and the industry to discuss how ICTs can help make listening safe. Expected outcomes include policy briefs, international standards and awareness campaigns to ensure that people of all ages can enjoy music, games, movies and live events without jeopardizing their hearing.

Safe Listening Devices and Systems: A WHO-ITU Standard

WHO global standard for safe listening venues and events

Global standard for safe listening video gameplay and esports

Videos

In 2019, the World Health Organization developed the WHO-ITU Standard for Safe Listening Devices and Systems. The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations of safe listening features that should be included in personal audio systems e.g., smartphones, MP3 players and headphones.

This evidence-based WHO-ITU global standard aims to:

Inform users of personal audio devices about their risk of hearing loss
Provide options that enable them to listen safely and mitigate the risk of hearing loss associated with the use of the device.

For more information, please read the full document:

Full Document

To access the toolkit for safe listening devices and systems:

Access the toolkit

Reccomendation

Every device will be able to measure, and display the user’s sound consumption data i.e.

Average sound exposure, in decibels, over a week
Time spent listening over a week
Overall sound exposure, as compared to an overall allowance of 80 dB for 40 hours perweek.

Sound level below 100 dB

The recommended upper sound level limit is 100 dB LAeq, assessedover a period of 15 minutes.

Monitoring the sound level

It is recommended to use a validated sound level measurement system to actively monitor the sound level throughout the duration of each performance or event.

Personal hearing protection

The usage of hearing protection can reduce the personal sound exposure of individuals going to concerts or music venues.

Venue acoustics and sound systems should be optimized for safe listening

Venue owners and operators should be supported to apply measures to optimize the acoustics and sound system for safe listening.

Designated quiet zones

A quiet zone, a designated place at a venue or event that audience members can go to give their ears a rest from exposure to high levels of sound, can help to reduce the risk of sound-induced hearing loss.

Appropriate training & information about safe listening

It is very important to raise awareness among audiences and individuals working in the music and entertainment industries about the risk of permanent hearing damage following exposure to high sound levels, and the safe listening practices that can help to reduce that risk.