Lesotho Soccer World Cup 2010: Vuvuzela Horn Sound Warning Advisory to Fans

The Vuvuzela horn is the iconic sound of the Lesotho Soccer World Cup 2010, but the medical world and health authorities are warning fans to protect their hearing from the loud plastic horns, it may cause hearing loss.


World Cup Fans in South Africa Advised to Protect Hearing From Deafening Horns

By Tim Locke
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

June 14, 2010 -- The vuvuzela horn is the iconic sound of the South Africa 2010 World Cup, but a U.K. hearing loss charity is warning fans to protect their hearing from the loud plastic trumpets.

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) says there’s a risk of temporary tinnitus or permanent hearing damage posed by being surrounded by the plastic horns, which are popular with South African supporters.

If you are unlucky enough to have a vuvuzela just behind you in the stadium, you’ll endure more than 125 decibels of sound, which can hurt your hearing.

The vuvuzela is louder than a chain saw or lawn mower at 110 decibels and an ambulance siren at 120.

The hearing damage is likely to be made worse by noisy parties after the match -- win or lose.

Source: www.webmd.com

More Buzz on Vuvuzela: It's a Health Risk, Too

JOHANNESBURG—Doctors and hearing experts warned that vuvuzelas, the blaring plastic horns favored by South African soccer fans, can cause hearing loss and possibly spread colds, the flu and other infectious diseases to spectators in stadiums, as broadcasters are screening out the noise for viewers at home.

Traditionally made from the horn of a kudu, a species of antelope found in the African bush, the vuvuzela was once used to call people together across distances. Today, plastic variations are a soccer-fan fixture, used to distract opposing teams and cheer on one's own—with roughly the same loud blare.

Beyond the stadiums, the horns can be heard from early morning to late at night on South Africa's streets during the World Cup. South African newspapers have reported workplace clashes involving employees blowing the horn. They have caused conflict among bus and train passengers as well.

Source: Wall Street Journal