Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: May 13, 2024
Date Accepted: Oct 28, 2024
Safe Listening Beliefs, Attitudes, and Practices Among Gamers and Esports Participants: An International Online Survey
ABSTRACT
Background:
The global rise of video gaming and esports has raised concerns about hearing loss from loud sound exposure. While these activities offer entertainment and healthcare applications, the auditory health risks and behavioral factors influencing listening habits remain understudied. Specific research is needed to inform the development of tailored interventions that address the unique barriers and beliefs of gamers and esports participants, promoting safer listening practices.
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 open, 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 findings suggest an urgent need for interventions to promote safe listening among video gamers and esports players, highlighting a gap between awareness and action. Further, they 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.
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