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Tinnitus Awareness Week: Video game players at highest risk of tinnitus

A study warns that gamers may develop tinnitus or hearing loss from prolonged exposure to high-volume sounds. Experts recommend lowering volume, taking breaks, and using noise-cancelling headphones. Tinnitus Awareness Week highlights these risks.

By Ground Report Desk
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Tinnitus Awareness Week: Video game players at highest risk of tinnitus

Tinnitus is a noise inside the head or ear, including ringing, buzzing, humming. Photo Credit: iStock

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Tinnitus Awareness Week, observed from February 3rd to 9th, aims to educate people about the condition and its impact on daily life. Tinnitus, described as ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears, can be a temporary annoyance or a persistent, debilitating condition affecting concentration, sleep, and mental health.

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Millions experience tinnitus worldwide, from mild to severe cases. Awareness campaigns this week focus on providing information, debunking myths, and encouraging those affected to seek professional help. Managing tinnitus often involves sound therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and mindfulness techniques to reduce discomfort.

Understanding tinnitus and its causes

Tinnitus results from a malfunction in the auditory system, not external noise. It’s linked to conditions like hearing loss, ear infections, loud noise exposure, and stress. Both men and women can develop tinnitus, but studies suggest men may be slightly more prone to it.

Some people experience tinnitus symptoms intermittently, while others experience them persistently and significantly impact their daily life. Severe cases can lead to anxiety, depression, and memory problems. Though there’s no single cure, many treatments can help manage symptoms. Healthcare professionals emphasise early diagnosis and intervention to prevent worsening conditions.

A new study in BMJ Public Health, conducted with the World Health Organisation, warns that video game players may be at increased risk of tinnitus or hearing loss from prolonged exposure to high-volume sounds. The review analysed 14 studies involving over 50,000 participants, raising concerns over unsafe listening habits among gamers.

The research highlights that gaming often involves exposure to loud sounds for extended periods, particularly with headphones. The WHO advises safe listening levels for adults are 80 decibels (dB) for up to 40 hours per week. However, exposure to 90dB should be limited to four hours per week, while 95dB should not exceed one hour and 15 minutes. For children, the limits are lower.

Reviewed studies found average headphone noise levels in popular shooting games ranged between 88.5dB and 91.2dB—exceeding safe limits. Loud bursts of sound, like gunfire effects, reached up to 119dB, posing a serious risk to hearing health.

The study noted that boys play video games at higher volumes and for longer durations than girls, increasing their risk. While some studies linked gaming to tinnitus and hearing loss, researchers stress that more studies are needed to establish a definitive connection and explore factors like age, gender, and regional differences.

Protecting hearing while gaming

Experts urge gamers to take precautions to minimize hearing damage risk. The following tips can help maintain ear health while enjoying video games:

  • Keep it at or below 50%. Many games allow separate volume adjustments for effects and music.

  • Resting your ears for at least five minutes every hour can reduce strain.

  • In noisy environments, these headphones help reduce the need for higher volumes.

  • Monitor weekly exposure levels to prevent long-term damage.

The gaming industry body, Ukie, acknowledged the study’s concerns and encouraged players to use headphones at safe volume levels. However, they declined to comment further on the research findings.

Public health advocates are calling for more awareness campaigns like those on loud music and audio devices. As gaming grows, experts stress the need for better education on safe listening practices to prevent long-term hearing issues.

Tinnitus Awareness Week highlights the importance of hearing health. With more research and proactive measures, gamers and the public can protect their hearing and reduce future tinnitus risk.

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