Over one billion people at risk of hearing loss due to loud music –WHO

According to the World Health Organisation, one billion people aged 12 to 35 years risk losing their hearing due to prolonged and excessive exposure to loud music and other recreational sounds, the has said. 

WHO noted governments should begin to address the challenge of excessive exposure to loud music in the communities, warning that it has devastating consequences on the physical and mental health of people.

The WHO made the call in a statement issued ahead of the 2022 World Hearing Day, adding that young people are more at risk of hearing loss as a result of loud music because they are more exposed to it.

The global health agency says it has issued a new international standard for safe listening at venues and events, noting that this standard applies to places and activities where amplified music is played.

“Millions of teenagers and young people are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices and exposure to damaging sound levels at venues such as nightclubs, bars, concerts and sporting events,” said WHO’s Director for the Department for Noncommunicable Diseases, Dr. Bette Mikkelsen.

She added: “The risk is intensified as most audio devices, venues and events do not provide safe listening options and contribute to the risk of hearing loss. The new WHO standard aims to better safeguard young people as they enjoy their leisure activities.”  

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The Global standard for safe listening at venues and events, WHO said, highlights six recommendations for implementation to ensure that venues and events limit the risk of hearing loss to their patrons while preserving high-quality sound and an enjoyable listening experience. 

The six recommendations are a maximum average sound level of 100 decibels; live monitoring and recording of sound levels using calibrated equipment by designated staff; optimizing venue acoustics and sound systems to ensure enjoyable sound quality and safe listening; making personal hearing protection available to audiences including instructions on use.

Other recommendations are access to quiet zones for people to rest their ears and decrease the risk of hearing damage, and provision of training and information to staff.

The new standard was developed under WHO’s Make Listening Safe initiative which seeks to improve listening practices, especially among young people, drawing on the latest evidence and consultations with a range of stakeholders including experts from WHO, government, industry, consumers, and civil society.  

The UN body noted that while exposure to loud sounds causes temporary hearing loss or tinnitus, prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to permanent hearing damage, resulting in irreversible hearing loss. 

WHO encourages governments to develop and enforce legislation for safe listening and raise awareness of the risks of hearing loss. 

It also urged the private sector to include WHO’s recommendations for safe listening features in their products, venues, and events. 

“Governments, civil society and private sector entities such as manufacturers of personal audio devices, sound systems, and video gaming equipment as well as owners and managers of entertainment venues and events have an important role to play in advocating for the new global standard,” said Dr Ren Minghui, WHO Assistant Director-General.

“We must work together to promote safe listening practices, especially among young people,” WHO said.