Making listening safe

People of all ages should follow safe listening practices in order to avoid hearing loss.

To achieve this vision, strategies and actions have been planned in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), through a multi-stakeholder collaboration involving experts from professional associations, civil society organizations and the private sector as well as users themselves. Key actions include:

WHO-ITU Global standard for safe listening devices and systems

The standard is applicable to personal audio devices such as smartphones and MP3 players. It offers recommendations on safe listening features to be included in such devices. The implementation of this standard would allow for safe listening.

Communication campaign for safe listening

Through this campaign, WHO aims to raise awareness about safe listening practices especially among young people and highlight the need for safe listening to policy-makers, health professionals, parents and others.

Develop a regulatory framework for control of exposure to sound in entertainment venues

In collaboration with partners, WHO is studying existing regulations regarding noise in entertainment venues, such as nightclubs, bars and arenas hosting concerts and sporting events. This is the first step in the development of a regulatory framework to promote safe listening spaces.