Gaming Risk of Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
In video gaming, a groundbreaking review has placed the potential risks to hearing firmly in the “unsafe listening” category. Surprisingly, research exists regarding the impact of gaming on auditory health, emphasising the urgent need for further investigation.
The health effects of too much gaming
While gamers routinely navigate virtual hazards like cuts, falls, and fantastical threats, real-world dangers such as “gamer’s thumb” and carpal tunnel syndrome are acknowledged. Now, hearing loss and tinnitus join the list of potential consequences. Is it game over for auditory health?
Despite the adrenaline-fueled volume levels inherent in gaming, there remains a noticeable lack of studies examining the auditory repercussions of prolonged exposure to high-intensity sounds. However, the World Health Organisation identifies such activities as a significant modifiable risk factor for hearing loss.
With gaming boasting a massive global following—reportedly over 3 billion players worldwide in 2022—the British Medical Journal recently published a pioneering systematic review addressing the risk of sound-induced hearing loss from gaming or esports. This review marks the first comprehensive attempt to explore gaming’s potential impact on hearing.
Can video games cause tinnitus or hearing loss?
Examining five peer-reviewed studies, researchers found that four reported significant associations between gaming and hearing loss or tinnitus. The evidence, though limited, suggests that gaming may pose a prevalent risk of unsafe listening, potentially endangering the hearing of countless individuals worldwide.
Leading the review, audiologist and epidemiologist Dr. Lauren Dillard highlights that regular gamers are more prone to experiencing tinnitus, high-frequency hearing loss, and self-perceived hearing difficulties compared to non-gamers. Moreover, prolonged gaming sessions elevate the risk of these auditory issues.
While traditional assessments of hearing loss risk focus on average sound intensity levels, the authors note the overlooked danger posed by impulse sounds prevalent in gaming, such as gunfire and explosions. These short bursts of high-intensity sound, often exceeding 119 dB(C), may contribute to auditory damage not captured by standard measurements.
Preventing gaming health issues
The study’s conclusions stress the imperative for further research into gaming-related noise and the implementation of protective measures. Identifying high-risk gamer populations and developing policies to promote safe listening habits within gaming communities are vital steps in preventing hearing loss and tinnitus among gamers.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report which forecast that 2.5 billion people by 2050, are at risk of experiencing permanent, avoidable hearing damage in their lifetime, that’s 1 in 4 of the world’s population.
If you have concerns for your own hearing as a result of gaming, or a family member, put your mind at rest and contact us for a hearing test or custom hearing protection.
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