New study warns gamers of the traumas of ‘irreversible’ hearing loss

Gaming’s popularity skyrocketed during the pandemic, with more people than ever before connecting with others through online games.

The majority of the population plays video games in some form or other, whether that’s playing Candy Crush on the bus to work, or your weekly Call of Duty catch-up.

Study reveals the risks of irreversible hearing loss

A new study, published in the BMJ Journals, has found that heavy use of video games can leave users at risk of irreversible hearing loss. The paper reviews several studies from all over the world on the effect of video games on hearing loss, covering 54k participants. Gamers self-reported higher instances of hearing loss, such as tinnitus.

Understanding the causes of hearing loss in gamers

The study sheds light on the possible causes of hearing loss in gamers. It is believed that the increase in hearing loss is caused by loud, sharp sounds that only last a short amount of time. Jump scares in horror games or the sound of guns going off in FPS games can contribute to this. These sound effects are much louder than the background noise of the game, exceeding the recommended limits.

Preventing adverse effects

While the study highlights the risks, it also provides a solution. Most games now have sophisticated sound settings that allow players to change the volume of specific noises. By adjusting these louder sound effects to the same level as the background noise, gamers can help prevent adverse effects and protect their hearing.

The positive impact of gaming

Despite the risks, video games have been found to have a positive effect on people’s overall health. Gaming has been shown to have a good impact on mental health, giving players a sense of achievement. It also helps people socially, allowing them to connect and make friends with people all over the world.

If you want to read more about gaming, check out Peanut Butter, the dog who speedruns games.