The World Health Organization (WHO) says unsafe listening is putting young adults at risk of hearing loss. It also worked with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on a standard for personal audio devices. This guide summarises both. For hearing concerns, see a doctor or audiologist.

This guide is based on the public sources listed at the end. We have not tested the products or services mentioned.

This is a short reference page. The full guide is Travel and Gadgets: Power Banks on Planes, Hand Luggage Liquids, USB-C Power and Safe Listening.

The warning

The WHO fact sheet (dated 3 March 2026) says over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent but avoidable hearing loss from unsafe listening. It points to its Make Listening Safe initiative.

The WHO-ITU standard

The standard (WHO publication dated 18 September 2019) sets out design requirements for personal audio devices. It was developed over two years with governments, industry, civil society and users. It recommends that devices:

  • Track sound allowance: software measures how much of a safe exposure the user has used, based on level and duration.
  • Offer two modes: 80 dB for 40 hours per week for adults, and 75 dB for 40 hours per week for children.
  • Build a listening profile with suggested actions.
  • Limit volume: lower it automatically after prolonged loud listening, and let parents set a password-protected maximum volume.
  • Provide safety information.

These are recommendations to device makers, not a legal requirement for what you buy.

What to look for in a listing

Whether the maker lists a volume limiter, a parental volume lock or in-app listening-level information. These are the maker's claims, so read them as such. A listing should not say a product meets the standard without evidence from the maker, and no product can be called "safe" on this basis alone.

Other advice

See our guides to chargers, cables and power banks and refurbished electronics.

Last checked: 15 October 2026. Sources: WHO, deafness and hearing loss fact sheet; WHO, safe listening devices and systems: a WHO-ITU standard.