The Silent Risks: Gamers Facing Potential Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

In a world dominated by the captivating realm of video games, a new study published in BMJ Public Health has shed light on a potential risk faced by avid gamers—a risk that extends beyond the pixels on the screen. The research suggests that gamers, enthralled in virtual universes, may be jeopardizing their hearing due to prolonged exposure to unsafe sound levels.

The study, which reviewed 14 research papers involving over 50,000 individuals, highlighted a concerning trend. Gamers, engrossed in their virtual quests, tend to play for extended periods with the volume cranked up beyond recommended safe limits. The consequences, as outlined in the review, include a heightened risk of irreversible hearing loss and the development of tinnitus—a persistent ringing in the ears.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults can safely be exposed to 80 decibels (dB) for 40 hours a week, akin to the noise level of a doorbell. Beyond this threshold, the safe duration of exposure rapidly diminishes. For instance, adults should limit exposure to 90dB to four hours a week and 95dB to just one hour and 15 minutes a week. The guidelines for children are even more stringent.

The study found that average headphone noise levels in popular shooting games ranged between 88.5 and 91.2dB. Furthermore, impulse sounds—brief, loud bursts like shooting noises—reached a staggering 119dB. The research also revealed a gender disparity, with boys playing video games more frequently, for longer durations, and at higher volumes compared to girls.

While gamers could potentially mitigate the risk by simply turning down the volume, the study suggests that the duration of exposure to high volumes is a significant part of the problem. The researchers emphasize the need for public health efforts to raise awareness about these issues within the gaming community, similar to the campaigns conducted for live music and headphone users.

Despite the urgency highlighted in the study, the authors acknowledge the need for further research to establish a stronger link between gaming and hearing loss. Factors such as e-sports involvement, geographic region, sex, and age should be explored more thoroughly. Interestingly, the study also notes a scarcity of recent research on sound levels in gaming environments, with only two papers in the last decade objectively measuring sound levels from video games or gaming centers.

In response to these findings, the gaming industry body Ukie emphasizes the importance of using headphones within safe levels. However, the study underscores the potential necessity for interventions, such as educational initiatives and increased awareness about the risks of gaming, to promote safe listening habits among gamers. As the virtual worlds continue to expand, it is crucial to ensure that the joy of gaming does not come at the cost of one’s auditory well-being.

Tag: gamers risk, video games, sound