In a systematic review conducted by BMJ, it has been revealed that video gamers worldwide may unknowingly be putting themselves at risk of irreversible hearing loss and tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.  

With the sound levels in video games often nearing or exceeding permissible safe limits, it is crucial to raise awareness and take necessary preventive measures. 

While the potential risks associated with headphones, earbuds, and music venues have received attention in the past, video games have largely been overlooked as a potential source of hearing damage.  

Gamers frequently play at high-intensity sound levels for extended periods and considering that there were more than 3 billion gamers worldwide in 2022, there is a pressing need for greater public health efforts to address this issue. 

To compile a comprehensive evidence base, researchers analyzed over 50,000 people through studies from nine countries across various continents. The findings revealed sound levels in video games ranging from 43.2 decibels (dB) in mobile devices to 80-89 dB in gaming centers, with exposure times often exceeding recommended limits. Shockingly, impulse sounds in some games reached levels of 119 dB, surpassing safe thresholds for both children and adults. 

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Health Organization recommend an exchange rate, known as a time-intensity trade-off, for permissible levels and duration of noise exposure. This trade-off implies that the permissible exposure time reduces as the noise level increases.  

For example, exposure to an 83 dB sound is safe for approximately 6.5 hours for children, while exposure to a 98 dB sound is limited to only 12 minutes per week. These figures highlight the importance of understanding safe listening practices, particularly for young gamers. 

Various studies have indicated a higher prevalence of gaming among boys compared to girls, with longer durations and increased sound intensity levels.  

This gender difference emphasizes the need to educate and raise awareness among gamers about the potential risks of unsafe listening practices. 

While the available evidence provides limited data, it strongly suggests that frequent gamers who consistently exceed the average sound levels described are likely to engage in unsafe listening practices.  

This puts them at risk of permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. The findings from this review call for prioritized interventions, such as educational initiatives, to promote safer listening habits among gamers. 

Considering the gaps in current knowledge, further research is urgently needed to understand the impact of esport gaming, geographic location, gender, and age on hearing loss. This research will inform preventive measures and global policies to protect the hearing of gamers worldwide.