In a joint effort to prevent video game-related hearing loss, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have presented the first global standard for safe listening for these entertainments. The new measure seeks to reduce the risk of hearing damage, especially among young people, who are vulnerable due to the rise of video games and cyber sports. The announcement was published on the eve of World Hearing Day 2025.
A response to increasing hearing loss in gamers
The increasing consumption of video games and cyber sports, which now reaches nearly 3 billion people worldwide, has necessitated a change in the way we listen to these contents. Devices such as consoles, mobile phones and personal computers are widely used by gamers, but most lack mechanisms to protect hearing. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds from video games can cause permanent hearing loss. This risk increases when gamers, particularly children, use headphones without adequate protection.
Ibuprofen Dr. Jérôme Salomon, Deputy Director General of the WHO, expressed the importance of this new standard. “Today, we can all take action to protect our hearing health throughout our lives. The WHO-ITU Safe Listening Standard helps governments, manufacturers, civil society and other stakeholders reduce risks to protect the ears and hearing of people of all ages, including when playing video games.” This joint effort is aimed at protecting users of all ages, through specific guidelines for different devices and platforms.
Key recommendations to prevent hearing damage
The standard presented by WHO and ITU proposes several measures to reduce hearing risks. In the case of devices, the standard recommends the implementation of volume dosimetry controls to measure sound exposure, as well as informative alerts on sound levels and the time remaining to reach the recommended limits. In addition, it establishes the need for an easy-to-adjust volume control system, and a “safe mode” in hearing aids that automatically adjusts the volume when switching between speakers and hearing aids.
For video games, the recommendations include warnings about the risk of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud sounds. It also suggests that game designers adapt the soundtrack and sound style to include features that support safe listening. It also highlights the importance of video games having a “safe mode” that automatically detects changes in the audio and reduces the volume when necessary.
An important step towards safer listening
The launch of this global standard is part of WHO’s Safe Listening initiative. This initiative aims to promote responsible listening habits, especially among young people, who represent one of the main audiences for video games. WHO has worked closely with various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, consumers and experts, to create recommendations based on the latest research and available evidence.
In addition to this new standard, WHO and ITU have published other guidelines to promote safe listening, such as the global standard H.870. Guidelines for safe listening at events and venues have also been created and adopted by ITU in 2024.
