A new study published in medical journal BMJ Public Health may spell bad news for gamers and their ears.
The study was conducted by a team including experts from the World Health Organisation and the University of South Carolina, and they found that gamers often listen to sound levels that are close to or exceed safe limits.
Some of the text from the study does sound fairly worrying when read in a vacuum, suggesting 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/ or tinnitus".
However, it also highlighted ways of preventing potential hearing loss.
"Findings suggest that there may be a need to prioritise interventions, such as initiatives focused on education and awareness of the risks of gaming, that can help promote safe listening among gamers."
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❗ Attention gamers! 🎮 A new study in @BMJPublicHealth reveals gamers worldwide may risk irreversible hearing loss from game volume. 🔊 It calls for greater public health efforts to raise awareness of the risks, especially to young people. Read it here: https://t.co/ufuZ3FJAOF pic.twitter.com/O1jkj3fwje
— BMJ (@bmj_company) January 17, 2024
Despite language which is sure to worry a few mothers and fathers, the conclusion to the study did mention the limitations of the findings.
"The limited available evidence suggests that gaming may be a common source of unsafe listening, which could place many individuals worldwide at risk of hearing loss and/or tinnitus.
"Results suggest that additional research on these relationships is needed, including identifying populations of gamers at high risk of unsafe listening.
"These would help to inform and refine interventions that can prevent hearing loss and/or tinnitus among gamers. An important intervention could be the development and implementation of policy to promote safe listening among gamers."
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