Ahead of World Hearing Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are highlighting the first global standard for safe listening in video gameplay and esport activities, which aims to reduce the risk of and prevent hearing loss among gamers. Previously, no safe listening guidelines or standards existed for video gameplay devices or software. 

“Everyone can take steps today to ensure good hearing health throughout their life,” said Dr Jérôme Salomon, WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases. “The WHO/ITU safe listening standard supports governments, manufacturers, civil society, and other stakeholders to foster safe listening environments, so that people of all ages can protect their ears and hearing, and even when playing video games, do not risk hearing loss.”