WHO-ITU Global standard for safe listening in video game play and sports.

 

Video gaming and e-sports have surged in global popularity, captivating up to 3 billion enthusiasts worldwide. With a user base of 600 million on console platforms and 1.1 billion on personal computers, these activities have solidified their status as both premier entertainment forms and have born new streams of competitive gameplay, referred to as e-sports.

The increasing prevalence of prolonged and loud audio exposure in these activities has raised serious health concerns, particularly related to hearing damage and sound-induced hearing loss.

In response to this public health concern, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are commencing a work item to develop a standard for safe listening in video gaming and e-sports activities. Let's assemble proficient experts, stakeholders, and industry representatives, fostering concerted actions and the formulation of guidelines and standards for safe listening in video gaming and e-sports activities.