A Study Highlights Dangerous Sound Levels in Gaming, Urging Awareness and Protective Measures
Researchers have raised concerns about the risks of permanent hearing loss and tinnitus among video gamers, following a review of 14 global studies involving over 50,000 individuals. The review found that the sound levels in gaming often approach or surpass the safe limits set for prolonged exposure.
The study, published in BMJ Public Health, warned that gamers who frequently listen to high-intensity sound for extended periods could face irreversible damage. Particularly dangerous are impulse sounds, such as shooting effects, which can be extremely loud, experts noted. The research team, which included specialists from the University of South Carolina and the World Health Organisation, highlighted that many gamers, including children and teenagers, tend to game for long stretches, putting them at higher risk.
The study’s findings suggest that noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus are significant concerns for avid gamers. “We need greater awareness and educational initiatives to inform gamers about the risks of unsafe listening habits,” said the researchers. They emphasized the importance of promoting safe listening practices to mitigate potential harm.
According to established guidelines, exposure to sounds at varying decibel levels should be limited to specific durations to prevent hearing damage. For instance, sound levels of 83dB should be limited to 20 hours, while 92dB should only be tolerated for 2.5 hours a week. Children, however, are more vulnerable to noise, with permissible exposure at 75dB capped at 40 hours per week. The study indicated that gaming sounds frequently exceed these thresholds, particularly when it comes to high-impact sounds like shooting effects, which can pose a danger even if the overall sound levels seem within safe ranges.
Franki Oliver, the audiology manager at the RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People), reinforced the study’s findings, stating that the duration and volume of exposure are the two critical factors influencing hearing damage. She advised that users of gaming headsets or headphones should ensure they do not exceed safe volume limits. Oliver also urged parents to monitor younger players and encourage regular breaks to reduce the risk of harm.
The study’s authors called for more research into the specific impact of gaming on hearing and for the development of guidelines to promote safer gaming habits. Noise-induced hearing damage is irreversible but preventable, and the experts are calling for proactive steps to safeguard gamers’ auditory health.
