Researchers: rules may be needed to limit noise in games

Policies may be needed to limit noise for gamers. Scientists write this in a meta-analysis of studies into loudness and hearing damage in gamers. Many gamers may have to deal with loud noise while gaming.

The scientists do not express an opinion on what that policy should look like. In their article in BMJ Public Health the scientists only say that policy may be necessary. “The study’s findings suggest that priority should be given to interventions, such as initiatives focused on education and awareness of the potential risks of gaming on the auditory system, that can help promote safe listening among gamers worldwide.”

The meta-analysis has no firm conclusions, but the scientists say that “the limited available evidence collected in this systematic scoping review indicates that gaming can be a source of unsafe listening.” “Therefore, gamers who listen to high-intensity sound levels for extended periods are at risk for permanent noise-induced hearing loss and/or tinnitus.”

The studies did not include other sources of loud noise, including music from earbuds or headphones or concerts. It is therefore unknown to what extent they contribute to the findings that hearing damage appears to occur in younger generations.

The scientists are from the World Health Organization WHO, the American Medical University of South Carolina, the Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology from China and the Ear Science Institute from the Australian city of Perth. For the meta-analysis, the scientists looked at dozens of studies. Ultimately, they included fourteen studies in the analysis.