Gamers are at risk of hearing loss

A study of more than 50,000 gamers found that the vast majority “play with the volume turned up full” – a risk of hearing loss, experts say.

Countless hours spent in front of gadgets and computer screens can cause significant damage to your eyesight. In addition, according to new research, people who regularly play computer games are exposed to high risk of developing serious hearing problems, including complete hearing loss.

The study found that the vast majority of gamers often exceed safe audio volume limits. Given the enormous global distribution of video games, researchers from the University of South Carolina and the World Health Organization emphasize the urgent need for more effective campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of hearing loss, which affects a huge portion of the population. There are almost 3 billion gamers on the planet.

Using headphones of all types, as well as frequent concert attendance, have long been recognized as potential risk factors for hearing. However There has never been any in-depth research into the effects of video games on our ears.. Most people who love video games play them for long hours. During this time, the player can hear the sounds of gunshots or explosions thousands of times, which “hits” the ears, causing damage to the auditory nerves.

A study published in the scientific journal BMJ Public Health states that “gamers exposed to high-volume sound for long periods of time are at risk irreversible hearing loss” The study is accompanied by a table indicating the “acceptable” hours during which a person can be exposed to sound at a volume of 83 decibels. And that’s 20 hours a week. For 86 decibels the corresponding time is 10 hours per week, for 92 – 2.5 hours, and for 98 – only 38 minutes (for adults). For children, scientists recommend less than half the time of appropriate sound intensity.

For example, a conversation in a normal tone is measured at 60 decibels, noise on a playground is about 80, and the sound from a compressor is about 110.

However, research has shown that The average time of exposure to sound for adults and children often exceeds these levels. The scientists are calling on their colleagues around the world to also conduct research in this area, adding that “the limited evidence available suggests that gaming is a very common source of unhealthy loud noise. Which puts a huge portion of the world’s population at great risk of poor health.”

Frankie Oliver, an audiologist involved in the study, said: “There are two factors that determine how likely you are to develop hearing problems or lose your hearing completely: how loud the sound is and how long you are exposed to it. If you use headphones, it is very important to ensure that you do not exceed the guidelines set by the WHO.”

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