WHO develops six-feature global standard for safe listening venues, events

05 / 03 / 2022

By Marwa Nassar - -

The World Health Organization (WHO) developed a six-feature global standard for safe listening venues and events “The Standard” as its estimates show that one billion young people globally are at risk of hearing loss due to sound exposure in recreational settings.

The six features of the standard, 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.

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 behaviors.

The Global standard for safe listening venues and events (“the Standard”) – which is part of the WHO’s Make Listening Safe initiative – provides a common understanding of safe listening in entertainment venues and events.

The six features include Feature 1: Sound level limit, Feature 2: Sound level monitoring, Feature 3: Venue acoustics and sound systems, Feature 4: Personal hearing protection, Feature 5: Quiet zones, and Feature 6: Appropriate training and information.
Both audience members and staff are made aware of practical steps they can take to ensure safe listening.

Executive steps for implementing “The Standard”:

The recommendations within the Global standard for safe listening venues and events can be implemented by governments through development of legislation or regulation by appropriate government departments, followed by compliance monitoring and public awareness campaigns. Hearing loss is a growing public health issue and its prevention will both improve quality of life and yield productivity gains.

As for Owners/Managers of venues and events, some or all of the features can be adopted voluntarily. Protecting the hearing of patrons and improving their listening experience makes sound business sense for an industry reliant on customers’ hearing ability.
The need for this Standard, its benefits and features, can be formally taught to those involved in the creation of music and the running of entertainment venues or events. Limiting the risk of hearing damage will not only benefit audiences, but also those working in these environments.