A recent poll by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), gathered data from people who play video games, and how it affects their hearing.
The online poll used a sample size of over 1,500 gamers ages 18-35 in three countries: Brazil, Japan, and the United States. Gamers spend an average of 15 hours playing each week. The US has the highest population of gamers, at about 66%.
Read the full Video Gamer Safe Listening Poll report here.
The poll found that over one-third of gamers reported hearing difficulties, with one fourth of that group placing at least some of the blame on their gaming habits.
In other words, most gamers don’t feel that video games affect their hearing, any more than concerts, or large gatherings.
The poll was prompted by a WHO study from earlier this year. The study found that some video games hit close to maximum safe levels for sound exposure, measured in decibels per week.
The poll also asked participants about potential auditory safety features in games. Safety features include volume controls for specific channels, such as music, dialogue, and ambient sound effects (which most games already have), headphone safety (reducing the volume when using headphones), and a Smart Listening Mode.
Most gamers (85%) are open to safety listening features and guidance, and even warning messages (if they don’t interfere with gameplay).
“Many people tend to minimize risks to their hearing and their hearing difficulties,” said Tena McNamara, President, ASHA. “Their hearing may seem fine to them, but that can be deceiving because hearing loss often develops gradually until it becomes a significant problem. If you are exposed regularly to loud sounds and are not adequately protected, hearing loss is likely.”
