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Protecting Your Hearing While Gaming

Video gaming has become a favorite pastime for a significant part of the population, with a staggering 61% of Americans regularly engaging in this activity. Unfortunately, many gamers remain unaware of the potential risks their audio habits pose to their hearing health. As World Hearing Day approaches on March 3, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Educational Audiology Association (EAA) want to emphasize vital advice for safe gaming habits.

Recent studies show that young adult gamers spend an average of 15 hours weekly on video games, with many using headphones for extended periods at elevated volumes. A survey conducted by ASHA revealed alarming findings that indicated most gamers are involved in listening behaviors that could lead to irreversible hearing damage, including listening at high volumes and neglecting breaks during gaming sessions. On learning about these risks, a significant majority—68%—expressed willingness to modify their listening practices.

The Importance of Safe Listening

To combat potential hearing loss, ASHA and EAA stress the need for simple yet effective changes in the gaming environment:
1. Lower the volume: Keeping the sound level at 50% or lower can substantially reduce the risk of auditory damage, especially for those using earbuds or headsets.
2. Take regular breaks: Gamers should aim for short breaks every hour to allow their ears to recuperate. Setting reminders can assist in maintaining this practice.
3. Invest in protective gear: Using headphones with built-in volume-limiters or noise-cancelling features can help mitigate the inclination to increase volume, creating a safer gaming experience.

ASHA’s President, Dr. Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke, highlighted that video gaming is just one of many activities that expose individuals to damaging noise levels. Other common situations include working in noisy environments or attending loud events. Persistent exposure can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, making it crucial for individuals to adopt preventative measures in all aspects of life.

For those who find themselves in loud situations, Mayfield-Clarke recommends wearing earplugs, taking breaks away from the noise every hour, and exiting any event if they experience discomfort or ringing in their ears.

Protecting Children’s Hearing

Special attention must be placed on children, as even minor hearing issues can detrimentally affect their academic and social interactions. Dr. Rachel Parkington, EAA president, emphasizes that early detection and intervention can make a significant difference. She advocates for parents to seek audiology assistance if they suspect any hearing difficulties.

Schools also play a pivotal role in safeguarding hearing health. They can implement policies to manage excessive noise levels during events and offer consistent hearing screenings to catch potential problems early. The implementation of noise education programs can further equip students with the knowledge to protect their auditory health throughout their lives.

Conclusion

As World Hearing Day serves as a reminder of the importance of hearing health, both audiology organizations are dedicated to educating gamers and the broader public on safe listening practices. By fostering awareness and encouraging proactive measures, it’s possible to enjoy video gaming while also preserving one of our most vital senses—hearing. For more tips and resources on protecting hearing, visit asha.org/public.