Players may be putting themselves at risk for permanent hearing loss, but they can protect themselves with some simple tweaks to their gaming habits.
ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 26, 2025 -- Most of the U.S. population (61%) plays video games regularly, but many people aren't aware that their listening habits may be putting them at risk for irreversible hearing loss.
ASHA and EAA are urging video gamers of all ages to take some easy but effective steps to protect themselves.
Fortunately, noise-induced hearing damage is preventable, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Educational Audiology Association (EAA). The audiology groups are sharing safe listening advice for video gamers this World Hearing Day, which is recognized every March 3.
A 2024 poll of video gamers commissioned by ASHA revealed that most people are engaging in playing habits that could damage their hearing, such as regularly using headphones for long periods of time or listening at loud volumes. However, once informed of the potential risks to their hearing, the majority (68%) said they were likely to change their listening habits. Most players also said they were willing to use safety features if such enhancements were added to video gameplay devices.
The World Health Organization (WHO), which established World Hearing Day, plans to mark the observance by releasing a new global standard for safe listening in video game play. This standard is expected to identify specific features that manufacturers could incorporate into gaming products to reduce players' risk of hearing damage.
Apart from that, ASHA and EAA are urging video gamers of all ages to take some easy but effective steps to protect themselves, including actions like these:
- Turning the volume down. By keeping the volume to 50% or less, you can significantly reduce your risk of hearing damage. This is particularly important if you are wearing earbuds, headphones, or gaming headsets while playing.
- Taking listening breaks. Aim for a short break every hour. Even a few minutes helps your ears recover. Set a reminder to step away at regular intervals, or take a break before starting each new game or round.
- Looking for products with protective features. Some headphones have volume-limiting capabilities. These provide some level of protection, but be sure to read the product descriptions carefully because some products may still exceed the safe volume limit of 75 decibels. Noise-cancelling headphones can also help since they drown out competing external noise. This can reduce the urge to turn up the volume to hear sounds in the game or from other players.
"Video gaming is just one activity that can expose us all to dangerously loud noise," ASHA's 2025 President Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke, PhD, CCC-SLP, explains. "Some people may work in noisy jobs, such as baristas or construction workers. Others may regularly attend concerts or car racing events. Even a school cafeteria can be too loud. Such exposure all adds up—and can eventually result in noise-induced hearing loss. However, the use of hearing protection is extremely effective in preventing this type of hearing damage."
In noisy environments, Mayfield-Clarke suggests wearing earplugs (for young children, well-fitting earmuffs), stepping outside hourly for a few minutes, and leaving a concert or other loud event immediately if you are experiencing pain or ringing in your ears. "If those symptoms continue into the next day, seek an evaluation from an audiologist immediately," she stresses.
Hearing protection is especially important for children. Even mild hearing loss can significantly affect their academic and social success if left undetected or untreated.
Rachel Parkington, AuD, EAA president, stresses the importance of early detection, stating, "Parents are encouraged to seek help from an audiologist if they suspect hearing issues or ear problems."
Schools are vital in protecting students' hearing health by raising awareness about the risks of noise exposure and the importance of hearing protection. School districts can implement policies to reduce excessive noise, such as setting noise-level standards for events and providing hearing protection in classes with high noise levels—like those involving power tools. Schools should conduct regular school hearing screenings to identify early signs of hearing loss. Audiologists play a key role in delivering noise education and prevention programs, helping students develop lasting habits to protect their hearing.
For more information about hearing protection and hearing loss, visit www.asha.org/public. To interview a hearing expert, contact pr@asha.org.
About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 241,000 members, certificate holders, and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology assistants; and students. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) identify, assess, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. https://www.asha.org
About the Educational Audiology Association (EAA)
EAA is an international organization of audiologists and related professionals who deliver a full spectrum of hearing services to all children, particularly those in educational settings. The mission of EAA is to act as the primary resource and as an active advocate for its members through its publications and products, continuing educational activities, networking opportunities and other professional endeavors. https://edaud.org/
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