Noise Levels of Electronic Arcade Games: a Potential Hearing Hazard to Children

A measurement of noise exposure levels of players of electronic games was made in two small arcades using a noise dosimeter. Two different measurements were made, at normal operating levels and maximum possible levels. The results showed that excessive exposure levels were possible on arcade games and that these levels were mainly the result of certain procedures performed by the arcade operators. It was recommended that these procedures be avoided by operators to reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss of their patrons.