WHO global standard for safe listening venues and events

Overview

WHO estimates that over one billion young people globally are at risk of hearing loss due to sound exposure in recreational settings. The risk of permanent hearing injury due to unsafe listening is both avoidable, and costly.

In the face of this growing threat, governments, public-health agencies, those involved in the creation, distribution and amplification of music, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders, all have a duty of care in understanding the sound levels to which audiences and consumers are being exposed, and creating environments that facilitate safe listening behaviours.

To address this, WHO, as part of their Make Listening Safe initiative, developed the Global standard for safe listening venues and events which provides a common understanding of safe listening in entertainment venues and events. The Standard comprises six “features” which, when implemented, allow audience members around the world to enjoy amplified music with protection of their hearing, while also preserving the integrity of the artistic experience.