London gamers are wired to their headsets for 280 hours a year

As titles such as Call of Duty and EA FC25 hit the shelves, gamers are expected to be spending more time than ever glued to their headsets and screens.

New research by Specsavers has revealed that adult gamers in London are spending 280 hours a year wired to their headsets, with nearly half (47%) experiencing a change in hearing after a session.

The poll of 1,000 adults who play video games found they will have roughly 18 sessions in a typical month – spending as long as 42 hours in front of screens. The research also found 65 per cent of those who wear gaming headsets will set the volume too loud.

This has led to 47% admitting they have noticed a change in their hearing after taking the headset off. Ringing or buzzing sounds (43%), increased sensitivity to normal sounds (38%), and soreness on the ears (17%) were among the aftereffects felt.

According to the Specsavers data. nearly a third (30%) admit this happens to them often, however, gamers do appear to be considering the side effects as over half (62%) are worried about the impact it may have on their sight and hearing (61%).

A former gamer says using headphones at a high volume gave him permanent hearing damage. Avik Banerjee, 38, played games like Call of Duty competitively for 15 years.

He used to listen to games through headphones, at the highest possible volume. Despite knowing the volume was “too loud,” he carried on gaming until he started having dizzy spells.

The damage to his ears had affected his in-ear balance causing him to become so dizzy he even fell unconscious and was rushed to hospital in August 2023. He was warned to stay away from computer games for good.

Avik, a university lecturer from Bristol, said: ‘I can’t hear properly now - and I’ve suffered damage to my in-ear balance. My long-distance hearing has completely gone - if there’s a loud sound, or music in the distance, I can’t hear it. I’ve been told by doctors I might need hearing aids if it gets worse. I even have to go for hospital check-ups every two months, to monitor my balance.’

Avik says he was totally unaware listening to games at a high volume could have a negative impact on his health. While headphones often carry warnings today, he claims he didn’t know anything about it 15 years ago.

He’d play computer games for five-to-six hours at least every day - exposing his ears to constant loud noises. ‘There’s an advantage with headphones nowadays,’ he added.

‘You get warnings on them, or on your computer, when you’ve been listening to music at a high volume for too long. We didn’t really have that 14 or 15 years ago.’

In July 2023, Avik began experiencing dizziness and vertigo. He says it would affect him at random points throughout the day - he’d feel a head rush, losing balance, nauseated and leaving him needing to sit down. This carried on for a month - until he fell unconscious while on a walk.

‘I’d just left the house for work, and I lost my balance. My neighbours called an ambulance, because I fell unconscious.’

Avik was rushed to hospital in August 2023 - and doctors said he’d damaged his vestibular system - the small, in-ear bones which affect a person’s balance. In that moment, he decided to sell his console - and promised himself he’d stop competitive gaming.

He added: ‘Luckily, I haven’t been given a hearing aid yet - which is a good sign. But I’ll be going for check-ups twice a month for the rest of my life, to make sure it doesn’t get to that point.’

Gordon Harrison, Chief audiologist at Specsavers said: ‘Gaming has quickly become one of the UK’s favourite pastimes. However, as our research shows, it is important that everyone games as safely as possible by taking regular breaks to ensure you are not putting too much strain on your eyes and ears.’

TV’s Dr Amir Khan has teamed up with the optical experts to put together a list of tips and tricks to ensure your ear and eye health remains top notch when spending long hours immersed in video games.

1. Lower the volume

Limit your listening time, the louder the volume the more breaks you should build in, so lower the volume and set a time limit between breaks.

2. Purchase quality devices

Higher-quality headphones or earbuds typically provide a better sound. This will make it less likely that you’ll need to increase your volume, perhaps consider noise cancelling headphones as this will reduce the background noise and allow you to have a more comfortable experience at a lower volume.

3. Use sound-limiting technology

Both earbuds and headphones come in volume-limiting styles. These listening devices keep sound levels safe so they’re a great choice for anyone who tends to crank up the volume. Various apps installed on listening devices can also keep noise levels at a healthy level by limiting just how loud the volume can go.

4. Adjust Display Settings

Modify your screen brightness and display settings to something that feels comfortable, this will help to avoid over-exertion of your eyes.

5. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain.

6. Regular Eye Tests

It goes without saying, but it is crucial to visit your opticians for regular check-ups to ensure your eyes are healthy.

Dr Amir Khan added: ‘With the biggest games of the year releasing, and Christmas fast approaching, gamers will be glued to their screens and headsets more than ever. Avik’s experience and the research from Specsavers highlights that it is very easy to get carried away and neglect your ear and eye health when immersed in a game.

‘I’m glad to be able to share some simple and easy-to-do tips that will help gamers enjoy themselves without any ill-effects on their physical well-being.’