World Cup Fans Risk Hearing Loss

Fans at this Summer's Football World Cup in South Africa are putting their hearing at risk thanks to the locals' way of creating atmosphere and fun during the matches.

Prepare your ears for the 3ft long, 127-decibel ‘vuvuzela’ – a £2 plastic trumpet which will provide a deafening background to the tournament.

It is louder than a chainsaw, noisier than a lawnmower and even more ear-splitting than a referee’s whistle – and it could damage your hearing in as little as 15 minutes. 

South African fans first started using the Vuvuzelas in the early 1990s as a way of intimidating opposing teams. The noise makes it difficult for players to communicate with coaches on the touchline, as well as each other on the pitch. It is something that all players, staff, commentators and visiting fans will need to get used to at the tournament.

However, in stadiums that will be holding over 60,000 spectators, the noise levels will be excessively high! Prolonged exposure to this noise over the course of a full game will put people at risk of hearing damage. Opinion is divided on the use of Vuvuzelas. There have been many people calling for them to be banned due to the distraction it presents to the players as well as the communication difficulties it can cause. Others believe it is such an important part of the culture in South African football games that to ban them would bring a significant reduction in atmosphere and fun for the home supporters.
Click on the link below to read the full article.
Get ready for the sound of the 2010 World Cup (Daily Mail)


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