Video games are associated with a risk of hearing loss or tinnitus.

Playing video games can have a serious risk for our hearing health. A study published in ‘BMJ Public Health’ ensures that some people may be at greater risk of suffering from irreversible hearing loss and/or tinnitus or tinnitus (persistent ringing/ringing in the ears). Research warns that many players often approach or exceed permitted hearing safety limits. And given its popularity, greater public health efforts are needed to raise awareness about the potential risks. Many people who play video games often do so at high intensity sound levels and for several hours at a time. And one estimate indicates that by 2022 there will be more than three billion players worldwide. Related News standard No A mobile application controls annoying tinnitus ABC It is estimated that tinnitus affects up to one in four people. In Spain Spain affects 3 and a half million people The authors of this analysis search research databases for relevant studies and technical documents, bulletins, reports and minutes, collectively called “grey literature”, published at any time in English, Spanish or Chinese. Some 14 peer-reviewed studies from 9 countries in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Asia and Australasia are included in their review. In total, data from a total of 53,833 people were recognized. Reported sound levels ranged from 43.2 decibels (dB) (mobile devices) to 80-89 dB (video games), while the duration of noise exposure varied by mode and frequency of access: from daily to once. once a month, for at least one hour a day, with an average of 3 hours per week. The report also finds that certain sounds consisting of bursts lasting less than 1 second could have peak levels at least 15 dB higher than the background sound. One study reported that these types of sounds reached levels of up to 119 dB during gameplay; The permissible exposure limits are around 100 dB for children and 130 to 140 dB for adults. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with the World Health Organization, describes a balance between time and intensity, known as an exchange rate, for permissible levels and duration of exposure, the researchers explain. For example, a permissible noise exposure level of 80 dB for 40 hours per week with an exchange rate of 3 dB means that the permissible exposure time is halved with each 3 dB increase in noise level. . : at 83 dB it is 20 hours; at 86 dB it is 10 hours; at 92 dB it is 2.5 hours; and at 98 dB son 38 minutes. In children, the permissible noise exposure level is defined as 75 dB for 40 hours a week. For children, the permissible noise exposure level is defined as 75 dB for 40 hours a week. Therefore, minors can safely hear a sound of 83 dB for about 6.5 hours, 86 dB for about 3.25 hours, 92 dB for 45 minutes and 98 dB for only 12 minutes a week, the researchers explain. . . Six studies reported the prevalence of video games among youth, ranging from 20% to 68%. Two South Korean studies reported a prevalence of gaming center use of around 60%. Five studies evaluate associations between gaming and self-reported hearing loss, hearing thresholds, or tinnitus. Of these, 2 found that school students’ use of play centers was associated with increased odds of severe tinnitus and high-frequency sound hearing loss in both ears. Another large observational study reported that video games were associated with increased odds of severe hearing loss. Another work reported that more than 10 million people in the US may be exposed to “high” or “very high” sound levels from video or computer games. Headphones The authors conclude that the daily level of sound exposure from these video games is close to the maximum allowable levels of sound exposure. The situation, this report comments, worsens when headphones are used. One study claimed that headphones can reach unsafe hearing levels, “which could put some gamers at risk of sound-induced hearing loss.” Three studies evaluate gender differences in gaming behaviors. Taken together, these results indicate that boys played video games more frequently than girls, for longer periods of time, and at higher sound intensity levels. Related News standard No A therapy controls the annoying ringing in the ears RI It is estimated that in Spain between 10% and 15% of the population suffers from tinnitus at some point in their life The researchers recognize that some of the included studies date back in the early 1990s, and only 2 published in the last 10 years objectively measured the average sound levels of video games or in arcades, although both reported elevated sound levels under these circumstances. “Although the data provided in this review is limited, it suggests that some gamers, particularly those who play frequently, and at or above the average sound levels described in the articles included in this review, are likely to exceed the exposure limits.” permitted sounds and are therefore engaging in unsafe listening practices, which could put them at risk of developing permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus,” the authors conclude.