ITU-WTSA 2024 Hosts Workshop on Safe Listening Amidst Growing Hearing Loss Concerns

New Delhi: As part of the ongoing ITU-WTSA 2024, a joint workshop organized by the ITU and WHO focused on the critical public health issue of hearing loss and the dangers of unsafe listening practices. With alarming statistics indicating that over 1 billion young people are at risk of hearing loss, the workshop aimed to promote safe listening practices as a global standard.

The workshop featured notable attendees, including Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, India, Dr. P. Payden, Deputy Head of the WHO Country Office in India, and Hemendra Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director General (Media) & Spokesperson of the Department of Telecommunications. The session was moderated by renowned musician Ricky Kej.

In her address, Khare stressed the need for policymakers to establish standards for both manufacturers and users, advocating for education and training to monitor sound exposure. She reflected on cultural practices that align with this initiative, stating, “In our culture, there’s a festival ‘Mauni Amavasya’, in which one is supposed to keep quiet and fast. Perhaps, relishing the sound of silence is extremely therapeutic, and we must realize that together, we can create a difference for not only India but for the world at large.”

Dr. Payden highlighted the cascading consequences of untreated hearing loss, which can lead to communication challenges, diminished quality of life, and even cognitive decline. However, she shared optimism regarding noise-induced hearing loss, noting, “It is preventable by adopting safe listening habits.” She pointed to the global ITU standard for safe listening devices, which includes features that monitor sound exposure and warn users when they approach their sound allowance limits.

Addressing stakeholders, Sharma mentioned that over 5% of the world’s population requires rehabilitation for disabling hearing loss, including 34 million children. He emphasized the necessity for a two-pronged approach of effective regulation and widespread awareness. He introduced the Sanchar Mitras, student volunteers tasked with raising awareness about citizen-centric services, urging them to disseminate safe listening practices across the country.

The workshop also included a detailed presentation by representatives from ITU and WHO. Simao Campos, Counsellor, ITU-T, discussed the role of standardization in driving change in health sectors, including hearing health. Dr. Shelly Chadha, Technical Lead for Ear and Hearing Care at WHO, elaborated on the Global Standards for Safe Listening, detailing its implementation.

A panel discussion followed, bringing together experts from various sectors, including academia and private industry. Panelists explored the motivations and challenges of implementing safe listening standards, addressing potential pitfalls and solutions for compliance. Insights from Mahima Sharma and Sanchar Mitra, S J Varshaa, emphasized the impact of this issue on the younger generation, reinforcing the need for awareness.

The session concluded with a call for ongoing global collaboration, highlighting the essential role of coordinated efforts among governments, industry, and organizations like WHO and ITU in promoting safe listening practices.

These discussions are part of the side events of the ongoing WTSA 24 and IMC24, reinforcing India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in advanced communication technologies and addressing pressing public health challenges.