On World Hearing Day 2022, the World Health Organization launched a number of technical products under the theme “To hear for life, listen with care!” as part of the Make Listening Safe Initiative. Make Listening Safe aims to realize a world where no one’s hearing is put at risk due to unsafe listening practices. This is a vital focus area as it is estimated that more than one billion people are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe istening (World report on hearing, 2021).
The technical products launched on World Hearing Day 2022 were:
- Global standard for safe listening venues and events; providing a common understanding of safe listening in entertainment venues and events. The Standard comprises six “features” which, 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.
- Be he@lthy, be mobile: A handbook on how to implement mSafelistening; providing evidence-based message libraries for the promotion of safe listening behaviours and prevention of hearing loss. It includes guidance on how to develop, integrate, implement and evaluate a national mSafeListening programme.
- Media brief on #safelistening; providing clearly communicated key details on hearing loss, unsafe listening practices, and how to listen safely. It also contains useful information for communicating about safe listening and the work of WHO, including digital media tools and story ideas for journalists.
To share further information about these products and their implementation, WHO will be holding a series of webinars. Each webinar will detail the product and focus on how to successfully implement initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of safe listening practices and reducing the risk of hearing damage.
Series of webinars
June 1st, 1400-1530 CEST
Implementing an mSafelistening program
This webinar will:
- Outline the role of digital health in prevention of hearing loss
- Review what an mHealth program is and the process for implementing mSafeListening
- Provide the opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities
June 30th, 1400-1530 CET
Implementing the Global standard for safe listening venues and events
This webinar will:
- Review the features of safe listening venues and events
- Share examples of implementation of safe listening in venues
- Provide the opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities
September 28th, 1400-1500 CET
Using the Media Brief on #safelistening.
This webinar will:
- Share the content of the media brief on #safelistening
- Highlight hearing/safe listening stories which have had traction in the media
- Provide a platform to discuss challenges and opportunities