Video Gamers at Risk of Hearing Damage, Study Warns
A comprehensive review of over 50,000 people worldwide has revealed that video gamers may face irreversible hearing damage and tinnitus due to unsafe sound levels, as reported in the BMJ Public Health journal. The study emphasises that the sound levels in gaming often approach or surpass safe limits, with some impulse sounds reaching as high as 119 dB, well above permissible exposure limits.
Despite the popularity of video games, little attention has been given to their potential impact on hearing health. With more than 3 billion gamers globally, the researchers stress the need for increased public health efforts to raise awareness of the risks associated with prolonged exposure to high-intensity sound levels during gaming.
The study highlights that gamers, particularly those who play frequently, may be engaging in unsafe listening practices, potentially leading to permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus. The findings point to a need for prioritised interventions, such as education and awareness initiatives, to promote safe listening among gamers. While headphones, earbuds, and music venues have been recognized as sources of unsafe sound levels, the impact of video games on hearing has been largely overlooked. The study also reveals that boys tend to play video games more frequently and at higher volumes than girls, indicating potential gender differences in gaming behaviours.
In response to the findings, the study recommends initiatives focused on education and awareness to mitigate the risks posed by gaming-induced hearing damage. With hearing loss affecting millions globally, the study calls for collective efforts to address this emerging public health concern within the gaming community.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the study underscores the critical need for ongoing investigations into the potential risks associated with gaming and the development of strategies to ensure safe listening practices among gamers worldwide.
