HOUSTON — New research that looked at nearly 54,000 kids and adults around the world found that normal video game sound levels often exceeded or got close to exceeding sound levels that can cause damage.
At those levels, the more exposure you get, the more you are at risk.
The study, published in BMJ Public Health, also found that people who gamed regularly were more likely to suffer tinnitus and report difficulty hearing.
According to researchers, gaming is now one of the most popular leisure activities worldwide, and those games often include sudden loud noises, such as gunshots, explosions, and engine revving.
When it comes to playing, a lot of gamers tend to use headphones, putting those loud noises even closer to their ears.
While gaming is fun, it’s not worth doing permanent damage to your hearing. So how can you protect yourself?
Some smartphones now have features that will alert you if you are exposed to dangerously loud noises. Some apps can show you decibel levels.
If you need to wear headphones, get ones that block out background noise so you are less tempted to crank up the volume.