Hospitalized Gamer Discovers Irreversible Damage From Daily Gaming Sessions

Loud gaming can be thrilling, but don’t let it cost you your hearing.

Damjan

• Published in Gaming
• November 15, 2024

Gaming has become one of the most popular ways to have fun, with millions of people spending hours on end playing games. Whether it's competing in fast-paced matches or exploring new worlds, video games offer an exciting escape.

However, while gaming can be enjoyable, it’s essential to know that spending too much time playing with headphones at high volumes can harm your hearing and overall health. Many gamers don’t realize how dangerous it can be to listen to loud music or game sounds through headphones for long periods.

For some, this habit can lead to permanent hearing loss and affect their balance. A story that highlights these dangers is that of Avik Banerjee, a 38-year-old university lecturer whose love for gaming ended up causing him serious health problems.

For 15 years, Banerjee spent five to six hours a day playing video games like Call of Duty and Fortnite. He was so good that he won a global Call of Duty tournament, earning $44,000.

While playing, he would always wear a headset with the volume turned up as high as possible. Even though he knew it was louder than needed, he didn’t realize the damage it was doing to his ears.

Banerjee's story is unique. Research by Specsavers found that nearly one-third of gamers who use headsets notice changes in their hearing after playing. The average gamer spends around 260 hours a year with headphones on, which means many people might not even realize the risks they are taking.

Avik used to spend five hours a day immersed in gaming.

It wasn’t until August of last year that Banerjee started to feel the effects of his gaming habit. After a long day at work, he suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed.

He was taken to the hospital, where doctors told him that his ears had been damaged and his balance was affected. This news shocked Banerjee, as he hadn’t realized that his years of gaming had caused such lasting harm.

Doctors explained that his hearing was severely impacted, especially by sounds in the distance. If there was loud music or noise far away, Banerjee could no longer hear it. He was also warned that if the damage worsened, he might need hearing aids.

Now, he has to go for regular check-ups every two months to monitor his condition.

Avik had no idea just how much his habit was affecting his health.

Research backs up Banerjee’s experience, with studies showing that 51 percent of gamers wearing headsets often have too high volume. This can cause ear ringing, increased sensitivity to everyday sounds, and ear pain. In some cases, it can also affect balance and other health issues.

Doctors like Dr. Amir Khan from the NHS warn gamers about the importance of caring for their health while playing. With major game releases coming soon and the holiday season around the corner, gamers are expected to spend even more time in front of their screens.

Dr. Khan emphasizes that it’s easy to get lost in the game and forget to protect your ears and eyes.

Avik is now urging others to stay mindful of the risks.

Here are some simple tips that Dr. Khan recommends to keep gamers safe while still enjoying their favorite games:

1. Turn Down the Volume and Take Breaks: Keep the volume reasonably and take breaks regularly. The louder the sound, the more critical it is to rest your ears.
2. Buy Good Quality Headphones: Investing in better headphones can help you enjoy more precise sound at lower volumes. Noise-canceling headphones can also block out background noise, so you don’t need to turn the volume up as high.
3. Use Sound-Limiting Features: Many devices have apps or settings that can limit the maximum volume, keeping it safe.
4. Adjust Screen Settings: Set your screen brightness and display to comfortable levels to avoid straining your eyes.
5. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to help reduce eye strain.
6. Get Regular Eye Tests: You must visit the optician for regular check-ups to ensure your eyes are healthy, especially if you spend a lot of time gaming.

Banerjee’s story is a wake-up call for gamers everywhere. While gaming is a fun and exciting hobby, it’s essential to be aware of the risks, especially regarding hearing and balance.

By following simple tips and being mindful of sound levels, gamers can protect their health and enjoy their gaming experience for years.

Damjan