Parents should force children to turn down the volume of computer games or risk irreversible hearing loss in future, new research suggests.
A major review by the World Health Organization (WHO) involving more than 50,000 people found that sound levels are often near, or exceed, safe limits.
Gamers often play at high-intensity sound levels and for several hours at a time, while impulse noises – such as shooting sounds – can be very high, experts said.
They warned that given the popularity of gaming – particularly among children and teenagers – more needs to be done to raise awareness of the risks.
The WHO suggests the ‘permissible’ time a person can be exposed to 83dB sound is 20 hours per week, 10 hours at 86dB, falling to 2.5 hours at 92dB it is 2.5 hours and just 38 minutes for 98dB.
A major review by the World Health Organisation (WHO) involving more than 50,000 people found that sound levels are often near, or exceed, safe limits
These levels fall for children who can safely listen to sound at an 83dB sound for approximately 6.5 hours, an 86dB sound for approximately 3.25 hours, a 92dB sound for 45 minutes, and a 98dB sound for just 12 minutes per week, the team said.
However, the study found that, on average, levels are often near this or higher, according to the findings published in the journal BMJ Public Health.
They warned that shooting sounds and other high sounds are often 15dB higher than background noise, with some reaching as high as 119dB during game play – above the 100dB deemed safe for children.
The team from the University of South Carolina, US, and WHO concluded that ‘gamers who are listening at hearing loss and/or tinnitus’.
It added: ‘Findings suggest that there may be a need to prioritise interventions, such as initiatives focused on education and awareness of the potential risks of gaming, that can help promote safe listening among gamers.’
They called for further work in the area, adding: ‘The limited available evidence suggests that gaming may be a common source of unsafe listening, which could place many individuals worldwide at risk of permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus.
‘Additional research on these relationships is needed along with steps to promote safe listening among gamers.’
Franki Oliver, audiology manager at the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, said parents should monitor both the volume and time their children spend playing games.
She said: ‘If you use gaming headsets or headphones, it’s really important not to exceed safe volume limits on your device.
‘Younger people may not realise how loud the volume is so it’s a good idea for parents and carers to encourage regular breaks and turn the volume down if it’s too loud.
‘Noise induced hearing damage can be permanent, but it is preventable.’
