The researchers have found that the volume levels reported in investigations encompassing over 50,000 individuals often approach or surpass the thresholds considered safe, leading them to conclude that a tangible risk is associated with exposure to such sound levels. Given the widespread appeal of video gaming, they argue for heightened public health initiatives to alert the public about these potential dangers.
Traditionally, concerns about unsafe sound exposure have centred on headphones, earbuds, and music venues, with video games and e-sports receiving comparatively little scrutiny regarding their impact on auditory health. The researchers note that gamers frequently engage with their games at loud volumes for extended periods. With estimates suggesting over 3 billion gamers worldwide in 2022, the potential for widespread auditory damage is significant.
In their quest to establish a foundation of evidence, the researchers examined numerous studies and documents, including those found in the grey literature, across languages such as English, Spanish, and Chinese. Their review included 14 peer-reviewed studies from nine different countries across continents, including North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Asia, and Australasia, encompassing 53,833 participants. These studies varied in focus, from the direct impact of computer and video games on hearing to the environments of gaming centres and personal computer rooms, particularly popular in Asia, and even included the use of mobile devices.
The studies revealed that sound levels could range significantly, from as low as 43.2 decibels (dB) with mobile devices to between 80-89 dB in gaming centres, with exposure time varying according to the gaming access frequency and mode. Notably, impulse sounds during gameplay, which are short bursts significantly louder than the ambient noise, were reported to reach levels as high as 119 dB, far exceeding the recommended exposure limits for both children and adults as defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with the World Health Organization.
The review highlights the ITU’s guidelines on permissible sound exposure levels, illustrating how exposure limits decrease with each increase in decibel level. For instance, a permissible exposure of 80 dB for 40 hours a week would be halved to 20 hours at 83 dB, showcasing the severe restrictions necessary to maintain safe listening practices.
Furthermore, the study addresses the prevalence of video gaming among youth, the associations between gaming and reported hearing issues such as tinnitus and hearing loss, and gender differences in gaming habits. It suggests that boys are more likely to play video games more frequently, for longer durations, and at higher volumes than girls.
Despite some studies dating back to the early 1990s, the evidence indicates a concerning trend of gamers, especially those frequently engaging at or above the documented average sound levels, likely exceeding safe listening thresholds. This behaviour poses a significant risk for permanent auditory damage, including hearing loss and tinnitus.
The researchers underscore several critical gaps in the current understanding, such as the specific impacts of e-sports, geographical location, gender, and age on hearing loss, underscoring the necessity for further research. This future research is crucial for developing preventive measures and informing global policy initiatives to safeguard hearing health among the gaming community. They advocate for prioritizing educational and awareness campaigns that promote safe listening habits among gamers to mitigate these risks.
More information: Lauren K Dillard et al, Risk of sound-induced hearing loss from exposure to video gaming or esports: a systematic scoping review, BMJ Public Health. DOI: 10.1136/bmjph-2023-000253
Journal information: BMJ Public Health Provided by BMJ
