If you are a fan of video games, pay close attention. A new study warns that people who play games regularly run the risk of damaging their hearing. The sound levels to which they are exposed gamers are potentially dangerous, to the point that it could cause irreversible hearing loss or tinnitus —a constant ringing in the ears—.
The analysis is based on the review of 14 investigations, in which more than 50,000 people participated. Overall, the average sound levels tested were nearly above or directly exceeded healthy limits for sound exposure, says the study published in BMJ Public Health.
There are two variables regarding the danger of irreversible hearing loss to take into account: the intensity of the sound and the exposure time of the sounds. gamers. World Health Organization (WHO) notes that adults can safely withstand 80 decibels (dB) for 40 hours a week. This noise is equivalent to the sound made by your doorbell. Above that level, the risk of hearing loss increases radically.
Adults, for example, should only be exposed to 85 dB for a maximum of four hours a week. If it is 90 dB, the limit is one hour and 15 minutes a week, according to WHO guidelines.
For children, the thresholds are even lower. They can hear a sound 83 dB safely for approximately 6.5 hours a week. The safe limit for 92 dB is 45 minutes and for 98 dB sound, just 12 minutes per week.
The gamers They should lower the volume or play less to avoid hearing loss
The gamers who were part of these investigations played, on average, about three hours per week. And on the verge of the healthy limit. For example, one of the studies considered in the analysis found that average levels of Headphone noise in four shooting games was between 88.5 and 91.2 dB. Still another found that impulsive sounds—short, loud bursts, like gunshot noises—reached 119 dB.
Some of these investigations established a direct relationship between video games and hearing loss in children. gamers. Others linked the activity to tinnitus. These studies used self-reported data and tests to assess hearing.
The analysis also found that three separate studies indicated that boys played video games more often than girls. They were exposed to higher volumes for longer periods, making them more vulnerable to possible hearing loss.
“The evidence collected in this scoping review suggests that games are likely a source of unsafe eavesdropping,” the researchers say. “It is necessary to prioritize interventions, such as initiatives focused on education and awareness about potential risks,” they add.
The team, however, recognizes that the evidence on hearing loss in gamers is very limited and that new research efforts should be carried out. Some of the studies analyzed date back to the 1990s. They highlight that the impact of e-sports, geographic region, sex and age. In the meantime, just in case, turn down the volume.