Experts Warn About Video Game-Related Hearing Damage
By Movieguide® Contributor
A new study points to the dangers of gaming-related hearing loss as many video games exceed safe sound levels, which can cause hearing damage with extended exposure.
“Gamers who are listening at high-intensity sound levels and for long periods of time may be at risk of permanent sound-induced hearing loss and/or tinnitus,” a study from BMJ Public Health warned. “Findings suggest that there may be a need to prioritize interventions, such as initiatives focused on educating and awareness of the potential risks of gaming, that can help promote safe listening among gamers.”
The Guardian reported, “The review of 14 global studies involving more than 53,000 people found that sound levels are often near, or exceed, safe limits.”
The risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus relies on two factors: the loudness of the noise and the length of exposure. Many games feature noises that are too loud, and longer gaming sessions make them increasingly dangerous.
The study explained that extended exposure to sounds above 80 decibels (dB) can start to increase a person’s risk of developing hearing damage. For adults, the “permissible” amount of time a person can be exposed to 83 dB is 20 hours a week, dropping to 10 hours a week for 86 dB, 2.5 hours a week for 92 dB and only 38 minutes a week for 98 dB.
Children, however, have a lower tolerance and can begin to see damage when exposed to noises as low as 75 dB for 40 hours a week. They also begin to see a risk at 83 dB for 6.5 hours a week, 86 dB for 3.25 hours a week, 92 dB for 45 minutes a week and 98 dB for 12 minutes a week.
Gamers often well exceed these thresholds, especially through long playing sessions surpassing the guidelines on lower decibel exposures. Players are also frequently exposed to impulse sounds – such as gunshots – which further increase the risk of hearing damage.
The study suggested that gamers and parents ensure that their headphones limit sounds to below the permissible range to protect against permanent hearing loss and tinnitus in the future.
Movieguide® previously reported on video games:
Advancements in technology have led to ever-improving video game graphics, and as visuals have become more real, the debate about video game violence has been renewed.
The video game “Dead Island 2,” released in April, marked a new step in video game graphics with its Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids (FLESH) system. The FLESH system causes a player’s model to accrue trauma in a realistic way rather than apply the damage effect to a model in the same way, regardless of the attack performed.
The new system shows more gruesome scenes as incidents such as players burning or animal attacks create highly realistic, highly detailed visuals.
While the use of the system in “Dead Island 2” is performed in a cartoonish art style, the implementation of FLESH in a fully realistic game has the potential to cause immense damage to players.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
