Video gamers worldwide may be risking irreversible hearing loss and/or tinnitus, according to a systematic review published in the open access journal BMJ Public Health. The review, which analyzed over 50,000 people, found that the sound levels reported in different studies often approach or exceed permissible safe limits. With the increasing popularity of video games and e-sports, researchers are urging greater public health efforts to raise awareness of the potential risks.
Although headphones, earbuds, and music venues have been recognized as sources of potentially unsafe sound levels, relatively little attention has been paid to the effects of video games on hearing loss. Gamers often play at high-intensity sound levels for several hours at a time. The review estimated that there were more than 3 billion gamers worldwide in 2022.
The reported sound levels from video games ranged from 43.2 decibels (dB) on mobile devices to 80-89 dB in gaming centers. The length of noise exposure varied, with some individuals playing daily for at least an hour at a time, averaging 3 hours per week. The researchers noted that impulse sounds during gameplay, which consist of bursts lasting less than 1 second, reached levels as high as 119 dB, well above the permissible exposure limits for children and adults.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defines permissible noise exposure levels and duration of exposure. According to their guidelines, the permissible exposure time halves with every 3 dB increase in noise level. For children, the permissible noise exposure level is set at 75 dB for 40 hours a week.
Several studies mentioned in the review highlighted the prevalence of video gaming among young people. The prevalence ranged from 20% to 68%, with some South Korean studies reporting a prevalence of gaming center use at around 60%. One large observational study also found that video gaming was associated with increased odds of self-reported hearing loss severity.
To better understand the potential risks, one study measured sound levels of five video games through headphones attached to the gaming console. The average sound levels ranged from 85.6 dB to 91.2 dB for shooter games and 85.6 dB for a racing game. Additional sources mentioned in the review emphasized that gaming headphones can reach unsafe listening levels.
The researchers highlighted the need for interventions focusing on education and awareness of the potential risks of gaming to promote safe listening among gamers. They acknowledged that some of the included studies were dated, but the two most recent studies reported high sound levels.
In conclusion, video gamers worldwide may be putting themselves at risk of irreversible hearing loss or tinnitus. The review found that sound levels in gaming often exceed permissible safe limits, and greater public health efforts are needed to raise awareness of the dangers. With the rising number of gamers worldwide, it is crucial to prioritize interventions that promote safe listening practices and educate gamers about the potential risks they face.
