Gaming has long since ceased to be something that happens only in the off hours. It is a hobby in its own right, even a career for some. Whether you play FIFA, Call of Duty, an intense game of Fortnite, or immerse yourself in an RPG: chances are you spend quite a few hours behind the screen. With a headset on your head, the volume nice and high, completely in the gaming zone.
And that’s exactly where the risk lies. Because just like festivals, loud music or machines in the workplace, gaming can also damage your hearing. Without you even realizing it. Or without anyone ever telling you.
Time to explain that. Because if you screw up your hearing, you can’t “turn that off” like you shut down a game.
Why gaming poses a risk to your hearing
Many gamers use a headset. It makes sense, too: it enhances your experience, helps locate enemies, lets you communicate with teammates and simply makes it more fun. But the volume is often quite high – sometimes even by default.
Sound waves continuously thundering on your eardrum can cause serious damage. Especially if you play for hours without a break. Auditory nerves can become overloaded and even damaged with prolonged exposure. And that damage is permanent.
What many people don’t know is that volume above 85 decibels can be harmful if you’re exposed to it long enough. And an average gaming headset? It can easily reach 100 dB. If you turn it up really loud, it can get much higher. Compare that to a concert hall or a construction site – they have rules and protection requirements for a reason. But at home, with your controller and headset, you are your own sound manager. And that doesn’t always go well.
Hearing damage creeps in
The insidious thing about hearing damage is that it builds up slowly. You don’t notice it immediately after a three-hour gaming session. You might feel a squeak or pressure on your ears for a while, but it will subside.
Until the moment it does not go away.
Tinnitus, or a constant ringing or buzzing in your ear, is increasingly common among young people. So is hearing loss. Not just from festivals or loud music, but so is daily gaming. Without protection. Without a break. And with the volume always set to maximum.
How do you know if you are suffering from incipient damage?
Hearing damage does not immediately have to mean that you no longer hear anything at all. It often begins subtly:
- You hear people less well in a noisy room
- You should ask more often if someone can repeat something
- You get a squeak or hiss after gaming
- Your ears feel sensitive or “full” after wearing your headset
- You have difficulty following conversations, especially in company
Do you recognize this? Then it may be time to rethink your gaming habits and take your hearing seriously.
What can you do to protect your ears?
Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you have to hang up your controller. Gaming and taking good care of your hearing can go hand in hand. Here are a few practical tips:
Turn down your volume
Sounds like an open door, but is really the most important step. You get used to a lower volume faster than you think. A good starting point is: if you can’t hear the people around you talking anymore, it’s too loud. Or even easier: make sure you turn down the volume to no more than 60% of the setting.
Use a headset with volume limiter
There are special headsets on the market that automatically limit the sound to a safe level. Ideal for younger gamers or those who don’t quite trust themselves with the volume control. Some models are even made specifically for children.
Take regular breaks
Give your ears a rest. Take off your headset, go outside for a while, drink some water, stretch your legs. Not only good for your hearing, but also for your concentration and your body.
Use external speakers with good acoustics
Sometimes it can be a godsend to game without a headset once in a while. Especially if you play alone or games where sound is less crucial. Good speakers with balanced sound can save your hearing.
Parents and children: how to discuss it?
Many young gamers spend hours every day with a headset on. As a parent, you may be concerned, but you also don’t want to come across as a patronizing whiner. Still, this issue is important enough to take seriously.
Make it negotiable by asking questions rather than imposing rules:
- “What do you actually hear when you have a headset on for that long?”
- “Do you ever have a squeak in your ear after gaming?”
- “Did you know that there are headsets that protect your ears without missing a thing?”
And of course: set a good example yourself if you enjoy playing games or listening to music yourself. Show that taking care of your ears is normal.
You only have one pair of ears. They should last you a lifetime. And with all the technology available today, you really don’t have to compromise on your gaming experience.
Tinnitus and gaming: a growing problem
Tinnitus is increasingly common among young people. And while it is not always due to gaming, it often plays a role. Especially if you play a lot with a closed headset, without pause and at high volume.
A constant beep or buzz in your ear is incredibly frustrating and exhausting. It affects your sleep, your concentration and your mood. And it is often beyond cure.
So prevention really is better than cure.
In conclusion, gaming is allowed, but don’t be deaf to the risks
Gaming is great. It’s relaxing, connecting, challenging, and sometimes even educational. But that doesn’t mean you have to risk your health for it. Certainly not when it comes to your hearing.
With a few simple adjustments, you can make a world of difference. Turn that volume down a notch. Choose a safe headset. And dare to take breaks.
