Gaming has been suggested as a potential risk factor for hearing loss and tinnitus, according to a scientific review published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Public Health. The paper examines data from 14 studies and indicates that prolonged and high-volume gaming sessions, often using headphones, could pose a risk to auditory health. However, it's important to note that the review is not definitive but highlights the need for further research. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines on safe listening levels, but there are concerns that intense gaming experiences may exceed these parameters. As the evidence is not conclusive, the researchers advise caution and suggest a push for awareness and preventative measures.

Could gaming actually cause permanent hearing loss or tinnitus?

While the current scientific review suggests that there might be an association between prolonged gaming and a higher risk of hearing loss and tinnitus, the findings are not conclusive. More focused and updated research is needed to establish a definitive link and to understand the full implications for gamers.

In the background of this issue, it is worth to mention the growing prevalence of gaming as a form of entertainment and its escalating immersion levels thanks to technological advancements in sound design. High-fidelity audio is now a staple of the gaming experience, with many games offering surround sound or spatial audio capabilities that can exacerbate exposure to loud volumes, especially when used with headphones. Furthermore, the competitive gaming and esports scenes encourage lengthy play sessions, which could potentially lead to a greater exposure time to high sound levels.