Video Gaming at High Volumes: A Risk for Hearing Loss?

Discover the alarming connection between video gaming at high volumes and the risk of permanent hearing loss and the ways to protect hearing.

Highlights:

Video game players face an increased risk of irreparable hearing loss and tinnitus
Compared to girls, boys play video games more frequently, for long duration, and with louder music
Gaming-related risks emphasize awareness and educational initiatives to encourage safe listening practices among gamers

In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, video gaming has emerged as a ubiquitous and immersive pastime enjoyed by millions worldwide. While the gaming industry continues to captivate enthusiasts with cutting-edge graphics, innovative gameplay, and expansive virtual worlds, a recent systematic review sheds light on the potential risk of irreversible hearing damage among avid gamers.

Video gamers worldwide may be risking irreversible hearing loss and/or tinnitus—persistent ringing/buzzing in the ears, reveals a new study published in the journal BMJ Public Health ().

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Gamer’s Audio Habits May Lead to Hearing Damage

A comprehensive review, encompassing 14 studies involving over 50,000 individuals, delved into the impact of prolonged exposure to high volumes during gaming. Although gamers have the option to lower the volume to mitigate risks, the duration of exposure remains a concern.

Did You Know?

There are around 3 billion gamers worldwide with gamers often playing at high-intensity sound levels for several hours. Video and computer games may expose more than 10 million Americans to "loud" or "very loud" sound levels.

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that adults can safely endure 80 decibels (dB) for 40 hours weekly, akin to the noise level of a doorbell. However, beyond this threshold, the safe exposure diminishes rapidly ().

Surprisingly, there has been minimal attention to the auditory effects of video games, including e-sports, compared to recognized sources like headphones, earbuds, and music venues.

Extended gaming sessions were found to pose a hearing risk, with reported sound levels ranging from 43.2dB (mobile devices) to 80-89dB (gaming centers). The exposure duration varied widely, ranging from daily to monthly sessions, averaging 3 hours per week.

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Extended Gaming Sessions Pose Hearing Risk

Among the evaluated studies, one study discovered average headphone noise levels in shooting games ranging from 88.5 to 91.2dB, while another identified impulse sounds, such as shooting noises, reaching 119 dB.

Several studies reported on the prevalence of video gaming among young people, ranging from 20% to 68%, with South Korean studies indicating a 60% prevalence of gaming center use.

Five studies examined the relationships between tinnitus, hearing thresholds, self-reported hearing loss, and gaming. Of them, two discovered a connection between the usage of gaming centers by schoolchildren and a higher risk of both bilateral high-frequency sound hearing loss and severe tinnitus.

Another sizable observational study found a correlation between playing video games and a higher likelihood of self-reported hearing loss severity.

Three studies evaluated gender differences in gaming behaviors that indicated boys played video games more often than girls, for longer periods of time, and at higher sound intensity levels.

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While acknowledging study limitations, including the age of some data dating back to the early 1990s, the authors underscore the necessity for further research to establish a stronger link between gaming and hearing loss. They advocate investigating the impact of e-sports, geographic region, sex, and age on hearing health, urging global policy initiatives and preventive measures.

Temporary and Permanent Hearing Loss in Adults
Understanding various causes of hearing loss can help conserve hearing especially if it is a temporary hearing loss. Permanent hearing impairment can be managed with a proper hearing aid fitting.

Tips To Prevent Hearing Loss While Gaming

Reduce volume to 50%. Set a benchmark at a low level and adjust sound levels for special effects and music
Take regular breaks to give your hearing a rest- at least 5 minutes for every hour
Use noise-canceling headphones in noisy environments

In summary, there is a critical need for heightened public health efforts to increase awareness of potential gaming-related risks, emphasizing education initiatives to promote safe listening practices among gamers.

References:

Video gamers worldwide may be risking irreversible hearing loss and/or tinnitus - (https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/video-gamers-worldwide-may-be-risking-irreversible-hearing-loss-and-or-tinnitus/)
Deafness and hearing loss: Safe listening - (https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/deafness-and-hearing-loss-safe-listening)

Source-Medindia

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