After rushing to the hospital, man discovers he has permanent damage from playing video games for 5 hours every day.
Avik Banerjee, a 38-year-old university lecturer, spent up to five hours gaming each day.
After 15 years of consistent gaming, Banerjee learned a devastating truth: his hobby had led to permanent hearing damage.
The habit that sparked damage
Banerjee’s passion for gaming wasn’t just a pastime; he thrived in the competitive world of games like Call of Duty and Fortnite. Once, he even ranked first in a global tournament, winning $44,000.
But the long hours weren’t without consequence. Banerjee played daily with his headset volume maxed out, unaware of the risks.
He later admitted he hadn’t seen any warnings about potential damage from loud headset use.
The surprising toll of gaming headsets
A study by Specsavers found that many gamers share Banerjee’s risk. Among 1,000 surveyed gamers, those using headsets average about 260 hours a year wearing them.
Alarmingly, nearly 31% reported hearing changes after gaming sessions, such as sensitivity to sound or hearing loss.
Banerjee’s dizzy spells and an eventual collapse brought him to the hospital, where doctors confirmed he had sustained ear damage affecting his balance and hearing.
“My long-distance hearing is gone,” Banerjee shared. “I can’t hear loud sounds or music in the distance. Doctors say hearing aids may be necessary.”
Doctor’s advice” Protecing gamer’s hearing and eyesight
NHS doctor Amir Khan, concerned by the impact of prolonged headset use, shared simple steps to protect gamers’ hearing and vision.
With the holiday season approaching, Dr. Khan advised gamers to consider these six health-conscious tips:
Lover the volume
Keep headset volume at a safe level and take breaks often to protect hearing.
Invest in quality headphones
Better headphones can provide clearer sound, reducing the need for high volume. Noise-canceling options may also help.
Use sound-limitting apps
Install apps that limit maximum volume to prevent accidental overexposure.
Adjust screen settings
Set brightness and contrast to comfortable levels to minimize eye strain.
Follow the 20-20 rules
Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to rest your eyes.
Regular eys exams
Visit an optician for regular check-ups to catch any issues early and keep your vision healthy.
Banerjee’s story serves as a warning to all dedicated gamers. Gaming is an enjoyable and immersive hobby, but safety and health should come first.
Protecting one’s hearing and vision while gaming can ensure that you’ll enjoy the experience without sacrificing long-term well-being.