Starting with OpenBSD 6.7 regular users cannot access raw audio devices
anymore, for improved security.
Instead use the sioctl_open(3) API to access and manipulate audio
controls exposed by sndiod(8). On the first call a permanent connection
is established with the running sndiod daemon, and call-back functions
are registered which are triggered when audio controls are changed
(e.g., a USB headset is attached) or when the volume is modified. On
subsequent calls we poll for changes; if there are no volume changes
this costs virtually nothing.
Joint work with Alexandre Ratchov