The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO), organized a workshop on “developing standards for safe listening in video gaming and esports activities” taking place in Geneva, ITU Headquarters from 28 to 29 September 2023. Remote Participation was provided for the workshop.
Video gaming and esports 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 esports (competitive and organized video gaming, in which two or more parties (individuals or teams) face each other under regulated and structured conditions). Nevertheless, 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, ITU and WHO commenced a work item to develop a standard for safe listening in video gaming and esports activities. The work item, proposed by WHO and accepted by ITU in July 2023, includes a series of imperative technical workshops. These workshops will serve as platforms to assemble proficient experts, stakeholders, and industry representatives, fostering concerted actions and the formulation of guidelines and standards for safe listening in video gaming and esports activities.
The specific theme for episode was “Developing Standards for Safe Listening in Video Gaming and Esports Activities” as a step in safeguarding the hearing health of millions of gamers and esports enthusiasts worldwide.
This event brought together experts in the field of audiology, gaming, esports, technology, and public health to review existing safe listening standards (for example
ITU-T H.870), and discuss the challenges and opportunities for safe listening in video gaming and esports activities.
Participation in the workshop was open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates and Academic Institutions and to any individual from a country that is a member of ITU who wished to contribute to the work. This included individuals who are also members of international, regional, and national organizations. Participation in the workshop was free of charge.
