Developing Safe Listening Features for Video Games: An International Online Survey on Beliefs, Attitudes, and Practices Among Gamers and Esports Participants (Preprint)
Authors: Diviani Nicola , Chadha Shelly , Mulas Peter , Rubinelli Sara 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

The global increase in video gaming and esports popularity has brought attention to their potential impacts on health, including concerns about hearing loss due to loud sound exposure. Despite the entertainment value and emerging applications in healthcare, the auditory health risks associated with these activities and their correlates necessitate focused research, particularly as existing literature on hearing health in gaming and esports is scant.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore listening behaviors, attitudes, and awareness regarding hearing health risks among video gamers and esports participants. It seeks to inform the design and implementation of technological features to encourage safer listening practices, aligning with the WHO's Safe Listening initiative.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted from September 2022 to January 2023, targeting video gamers and esports enthusiasts. Participants were recruited via WHO social media platforms and relevant stakeholders. The survey assessed gaming and esports behaviors, listening habits, awareness and knowledge about hearing health, beliefs, readiness to change listening behaviors, and communication preferences. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

The survey garnered 488 responses, predominantly from male participants with a significant portion holding a college degree. Findings revealed high levels of engagement in video gaming and esports, with a notable fraction of participants preferring high or very high volume settings. Despite a general awareness of hearing risks and the benefits of preventive actions, significant barriers to safer listening practices were identified, including the belief that lower volumes would diminish the gaming experience. A considerable number of participants experienced symptoms indicative of hearing damage, yet protective behaviors like taking sound breaks were infrequently reported. The study identified a balanced distribution across readiness-to-change stages, with personalized beliefs and attitudes significantly influencing the likelihood of adopting safer listening habits. Communication preferences highlighted a demand for more information on hearing health, with a preference for trustworthy sources like healthcare professionals and governmental agencies.

CONCLUSIONS

The study underscores the urgent need for interventions to promote safe listening among video gamers and esports players, highlighting a gap between awareness and action. It supports the integration of safe listening features in video games and esports platforms and the development of targeted communication strategies to enhance auditory health awareness and practices. Future research should aim to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions and expand upon the findings to ensure comprehensive auditory health protection in the digital entertainment sector.