An unusual danger of computer games for the ears of gamers has been named

The warnings about the risks associated with computer games have arrived: a new study warns that gamers may face permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. A review of 14 studies worldwide involving more than 50,000 people, published in the medical journal BMJ Public Health, shows that noise levels in games often approach or exceed safe limits.

Gamers may be at risk for permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, according to a new study. A review of studies across the world involving more than 50,000 people found that noise levels are often close to or above safe limits, Sky News reported.

The risk is compounded by the fact that people tend to play for long periods of time, while impulsive noises such as gunfire can also be very loud, experts say.

The study, published in the medical journal BMJ Public Health, was carried out by a team including experts from the World Health Organization and the University of South Carolina.

Experts warned that “gamers who listen to music at high levels of intensity and for long periods of time may be at risk of permanent sound-induced hearing loss and/or tinnitus.”

Researchers say more needs to be done to raise awareness of the risks associated with gaming given its popularity among children and teenagers.

They added: “The findings suggest that there may be a need for priority interventions, such as initiatives aimed at education and awareness of the risks associated with gaming, which can promote safe listening among gamers.”

The study pointed to guidelines that say the “acceptable” amount of time people should be exposed to sound at 83 decibels (dB) is 20 hours per week.

This drops to 10 hours per week at 86 dB and just 38 minutes per week at 98 dB. For children, the noise exposure level is lower – 75 dB for 40 hours per week. At this level, children can safely listen to 83 dB for about 6.5 hours, but 98 dB for only 12 minutes.

However, the data showed that on average sound levels are often close to or above this range.

The team called for more research: “The limited available experience suggests that gaming may be a common source of unsafe listening, which could put many people around the world at risk of permanent hearing loss/tinnitus. More research into these relationships is needed, as well as steps to promoting safe listening among gamers.”

According to hearing loss charity the Royal National Institute of the Deaf (RNID), around 12 million people in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss or tinnitus.

Hearing loss can be caused by repeated or prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB, which is equivalent to the noise produced by a kitchen blender, Sky News notes.

Safe exposure to this noise level is up to eight hours a day, the RNID says. Traffic noise is 88 dB, while a pneumatic drill is 91 dB, and the sound of a live concert is 110 dB. An airplane taking off approximately 100 m away creates 130 dB.

According to the charity, 140 dB is the sound level that causes pain in most people, but lower levels can also lead to discomfort. The sound intensity doubles with every 3 dB increase – so the safe exposure time is four hours at 88 dB.

“Remember that throughout the day you are exposed to many different sounds at 85 dB or more, and these exposure times add up,” warns the RNID. “At 110-120 dB, even very short exposure times can cause hearing damage.”