Video gamers worldwide may be risking irreversible hearing loss and/or tinnitus—persistent ringing/buzzing in the ears—finds a systematic review of the available evidence, published in the open access journal BMJ Public Health.

What evidence there is suggests that the sound levels reported in studies of more than 50,000 people often near, or exceed, permissible safe limits, conclude the researchers.

And given the popularity of these games, greater public health efforts are needed to raise awareness of the potential risks, they urge.

While headphones, earbuds, and music venues have been recognized as sources of potentially unsafe sound levels, relatively little attention has been paid to the effects of video games, including e-sports, on hearing loss, say the researchers.

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[–] Kolanaki@yiffit.net 39 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Because the issue isn't the video games fault. Any gamer in danger of damaging their hearing from playing games, is likely in danger of the same damage from listening to music or talking on the phone at high volume, also.

Reasonable people can already figure out that listening to anything too loud is bad for their hearing. This article is a nothing burger, and the title uses fear-mongering/hate bait to get you to read it.

[+] Zoot@reddthat.com -12 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

I am glad it is so obvious to you, however I am still thankful that articles like these get a chance to reach those who are unaware.

Because its not a fear monger, it is simply true for anyone unaware.

[–] Kolanaki@yiffit.net 21 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

I can't even begin to imagine how a person that is capable of reading and comprehending the article as well as hearing sounds would be unaware that LOUD SOUNDS HURT EARS.

[+] Zoot@reddthat.com -13 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Maybe read the actual article then. I say this in a dickish tone, because it is not "simply loud noises" and it makes everyone else sound like an idiot in comparison to you.

[–] Kolanaki@yiffit.net 16 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I have read the article. It doesn't suggest that the games themselves are using sounds too loud, only that many gamers listen to them at higher than safe volumes.