An unusual danger of computer games for the ears of gamers has been named

Noise levels in games can cause hearing loss

The warnings about the risks associated with computer games have arrived: a new study warns that gamers may face permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. A review of 14 studies worldwide involving more than 50,000 people, published in the medical journal BMJ Public Health, shows that noise levels in games often approach or exceed safe limits.

Photo: pixabay.com

Gamers may be at risk of permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, according to a new study. According to Sky News, a review of studies around the world involving more than 50,000 people found that noise levels are often close to or above safe limits.

Experts say the risk is compounded by the fact that people tend to play for long periods of time, while impulsive noises such as gunfire can also be very loud.

The study, published in the medical journal BMJ Public Health, was carried out by a team including experts from the World Health Organization and the University of South Carolina.

Experts have warned that «gamers who listen to music at high levels of intensity and for long periods of time may be at risk of permanent sound-induced hearing loss and/or tinnitus.»

According to the researchers , more needs to be done to raise awareness of the risks associated with gaming given its popularity among children and teenagers.

They added: «The findings suggest that there may be a need for priority interventions, such as initiatives aimed at education and awareness of the risks associated with gaming, which can promote safe listening among gamers.»

The study pointed to guidelines that state what is "acceptable" The amount of time people should be exposed to sound levels of 83 decibels (dB) is 20 hours per week.

This drops to 10 hours per week at 86 dB and just 38 minutes per week at 98 dB. For children, the noise exposure level is lower — 75 dB for 40 hours per week. At this level, children can safely listen to 83 dB for about 6.5 hours, and 98 dB for only 12 minutes.

However, the data showed that on average sound levels are often close to or above this range it.

The team called for more research: «The limited available experience suggests that gaming may be a common source of unsafe listening, which may put many people around the world at risk of permanent hearing loss/tinnitus.» More research into these links is needed, as well as steps to promote safe listening among gamers.

According to hearing loss charity the Royal National Institute of the Deaf (RNID), around 12 million people in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss. hearing loss or tinnitus.

Hearing loss can be caused by repeated or prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB, which is equivalent to the noise produced by a kitchen blender, Sky News notes.

Safe exposure at this noise level is up to eight hours a day, the RNID says. Traffic noise is 88 dB, while a pneumatic drill is 91 dB, and the sound of a live concert is 110 dB. A plane taking off at approximately 100m creates 130dB.

140dB is the sound level that causes pain for most people, but lower levels can also lead to discomfort, according to the charity. The sound intensity doubles with every 3 dB increase — so the safe exposure time is four hours at 88 dB.

"Remember that throughout the day you are exposed to many different sounds of 85 dB or more , and this exposure time is cumulative, warns RNID. – At a sound level of 110-120 dB, even a very short exposure time can cause hearing damage.»