A gaming fan who would spend at least five hours every day in front of the screen was shocked to learn his habit had caused permanent damage.
When he wasn't working in his job as a university lecturer, Avik Banerjee, 38, was passing the time on his games console, competing against other gamers on titles like Call of Duty and Fortnite.
For 15 years, Avik would play video games for five to six hours every day, and once he even managed to come first in a global COD tournament that won him a payout of $44,000.
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While gaming, Avik would wear a headset with the volume turned up as high as it would go.
He knew it was louder than necessary, but Avik has claimed he wasn't aware of any warnings when he first started gaming with his headphones.
The lecturer isn't alone in being unaware of the dangers of listening to headphones at a high volume.
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According to a study conducted by Specsavers of 1,000 adults who play video games, those who use a headset will spend an average of 260 hours each year wired to it, and nearly a third (31 percent) experience a change in hearing after a session.
However, it wasn't until August last year that Avik learned the consequences of his actions, when he started having dizzy spells and one day fell to the floor unconscious after heading home from work.
Luckily some neighbors spotted Avik and were able to call an ambulance to take him to hospital, where he learned he'd suffered damage in his ears which has affected his in-ear balance.
The gamer said: “My long-distance hearing has completely gone - if there’s a loud sound, or music in the distance, I can’t hear it.
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"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. People need to know the permanent damage computer games can cause.”
The research found that 51 percent of people who wear gaming headsets will set the volume too loud, prompting after-effects including ringing or buzzing sounds, increased sensitivity to normal sounds, and soreness on the ears.
Commenting on the findings, NHS doctor Dr Amir Khan said: “With the biggest games of the year releasing, and Christmas fast approaching, gamers will be glued to their screens and headsets more than ever.
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“Avik’s experience and the research 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.”
Dr Khan's tips for gamers
1. Lower the volume: limit your listening time - the louder the volume the more breaks you should build in.
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2. Purchase quality devices: Higher-quality headphones or earbuds typically provide a better sound, and will make it less likely that you’ll need to increase your volume. Noise cancelling headphones might also be worth investing in to reduce background noise.
3. Use sound-limiting technology: Apps and device can 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, as 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 to help 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.
Topics: Gaming, Health, Technology, Science, Entertainment, World News
Emily Brown