Video gamers risking permanent hearing loss after exceeding permissible safe limits

Researchers urge greater public awareness of potential risks of excessive sound levels

Video gamers worldwide may be risking permanent hearing loss or persistent ringing in their ears, according to a systematic global review of all the available evidence.

The analysis suggests that the sound levels reported in studies of more than 50,000 gamers often near, or exceed, permissible safe limits. And given the popularity of video games globally, greater public health efforts are needed to raise awareness of the potential risks, researchers have urged.