Gaming: Hearing loss could affect gamers who turn up the volume

A new study from BMJ Public Health shows that gamers who have the volume at unsafe levels could be at risk of hearing loss.

The report shows that ”gamers who are listening at high-intensity sound levels and for long periods of time may be at risk of permanent sound-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.”

Headset levels

Gamers typically play for hours at a time, especially on popular online multiplayer titles like Fortnite.

The report shows that ”the average measured sound levels of video games nearly exceeded, or exceeded, permissible sound exposure limits, and on average, individuals played video games for approximately 3?hours per week.”

Sound off

The ideal range for adult listeners was 80 Decibels across a 40-hour working period, according to the World Health Organisation. Still, in the case of video games, there are more infrequent and louder noises — like the noise of a shooter game.

The BJM report calls these ‘impulse sounds’ and ranges in different acceptable limits for adults and children.

The document states that the “audio of video games comprises of (1) sounds of similar intensities, and (2) often (particularly in shooter games), impulse sounds. Permissible exposure limits for impulse sounds vary but are approximately 100?dB for children and 130–140?dB for adults.”

Across the three studies conducted by BMJ that made up the report, there was a difference in gaming behavior; boys, compared to girls, would play video games for a more extended period of time and at a higher sound intensity.

In other gaming listening news, the new Nancon headset boasts an ‘unbreakable headband’ that will delight rage quitters worldwide.

The RIG brand, the 600 PRO HS and 600 PRO HX, are hitting the shelves and work fine with a PC and Nintendo Switch but differ only in the Xbox and PlayStation variants.

Image credit: Cottonbros Studio;  Pexels

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Brian-Damien Morgan

Freelance Journalist

Brian-Damien Morganis an award-winning journalist and features writer. He was lucky enough to work in the print sector for many UK newspapers before embarking on a successful career as a digital broadcaster and specialist. His work has spanned the public and private media sectors of the United Kingdom for almost two decades. Since 2007, Brian has continued to add to a long list of publications and institutions, most notably as Editor of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, winning multiple awards for his writing and digital broadcasting efforts. Brian would then go on to be integral to the Legacy 2014, Media and Sport Directorate of the Scottish Government. Working with ministers to enact change through sport with institutions like the Homeless World Cup. He would then lend his skills to multiple private sector institutions. Brian would win national acclaim helping his country deliver judicial education and communications during the pandemic-era. Earning a writ of personal distinction from the Lord President of Scotland for his efforts as the Head of Communications and Digital for the Judicial Office for Scotland. Brian has returned back to the thing he loves most, writing and commenting on developments across technology, gaming and legal topics, as well as any-and-all things sport related.

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