There are an estimated 3.24 billion video gamers worldwide (Clement, 2023), signaling to the massive popularity of this activity. Previous research has explored perceptual advantages from gaming, such as better processing speed (Pardina-Torner et al., 2019), attentional shifting (Powers et al., 2013), cognition (Wang et al., 2016), and mental health (Pallavicini et al., 2022). However, little research exists on the effect of video games on audition, with much of the research focusing on the possibility of noise-induced hearing loss (Dillard et al., 2024). Multiplayer online video games (MMOs) create complex listening environments by incorporating both game sound effects and conversations with other players. Individuals who play these games may have enhanced speech-in-noise (SIN) perception, possibly due to consistent exposure to complex auditory signals that may act as a form of auditory training. This study examines the relationship between playing MMOs and heightened speech-in-noise (SIN) perception abilities. It was hypothesized that video gamers would have enhanced SIN perception with lower listening effort as compared to non-gamers. Data was collected on SIN perception, auditory closure abilities, and listening effort from 20 adult video gamers and 20 non-gamers. We did not find significant differences between groups for speech testing. However, video gamers recorded reduced listening effort during auditory closure tasks of the left ear, possibly due to the right ear advantage or familiarity with complex listening environments. This research may inform hearing assessments for individuals who play MMOs and provide more information should video games be used for auditory training purposes.
- Do gamers hear better?: A study of speech-in-noise perception in multiplayer video gamers and non-gamers
- Mallory Sellens
- Hamid Motallebzadeh (Advisor)Soumya Venkitakrishnan (Committee Member)Jithin Balan (Committee Member)
- Comm Sciences & Disorders
- Doctor of Audiology (AuD); Audiology; California State University, Sacramento; 05/01/2025; 2025
- California State University, Sacramento
- 07/09/2026
- 99258332373801671; https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12741/rep:14176
- Doctoral Project
- English
- 82
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