(1005) Acoustic Specification Transparency and Hearing Safety Features Among Top-Selling Gaming Headsets Marketed to Youth

Introduction: Recreational noise exposure from video gaming is an increasingly recognized contributor to pediatric noise-induced hearing loss. However, the transparency of hearing safety–relevant acoustic specifications among gaming headsets marketed to youth remains unclear.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the top 100 commercially available gaming headsets in the United States as of January 2026. Publicly available manufacturer specifications and marketing materials were reviewed for disclosure of acoustic parameters (impedance, sensitivity, maximum sound pressure level [SPL]) and hearing safety features (e.g., volume limiting). Products were categorized by connection type (wired vs wireless/hybrid). Only explicitly disclosed manufacturer information was coded. Group comparisons were performed using Fisher’s exact test.

Results: Seventy-five percent of headsets were wireless or hybrid. Disclosure of safety-relevant acoustic specifications was uncommon: impedance and sensitivity were reported for 16% of products, and explicit maximum SPL limits were reported for 2%. Wired headsets were significantly more likely to disclose acoustic specifications than wireless or hybrid models (56% vs 2.7%, p < 0.001). Explicit hearing safety features were infrequently described across all product types.

Conclusions: Among top-selling gaming headsets marketed to youth, public disclosure of acoustic specifications relevant to hearing safety is limited, particularly for wireless devices. This lack of transparency constrains the ability of caregivers and clinicians to assess potential risk at the point of purchase. Clearer communication of safety-relevant device characteristics may support informed decision-making and preventive counseling aimed at reducing pediatric noise-induced hearing loss.