Video gamers could go deaf

Doctors have warned that those who spend hours glued to their consoles are putting themselves at risk of permanent hearing loss or tinnitus by constant exposure to sounds such as gunfire or explosions.

Dr Lauren Dillard, from the Medical University of South Carolina, said: "Video gaming is common worldwide and people often play at high-intensity sound levels and for several hours at a time.

"This is important because it's possible to prevent hearing loss and tinnitus by safe listening practices."

Dr Dillard conducted a review of 14 studies into gaming and sound levels and found that it was common for gamers to play at an average of 85 to 92 decibels - with bursts of up to 119 decibels.

Long exposure to sounds louder than 85 decibels can cause permanent damage to hearing, and the limit is even lower for children.

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