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THE vuvuzela is the loudest of all fan instruments and can cause permanent hearing loss, a global hearing foundation said this week.
Soccer governing body Fifa has okayed the plastic trumpet for the World Cup, which starts on Friday, after organisers did tests at a match at Johannesburg’s 95000-seater Soccer City due to worries the din could drown out emergency announcements.
The Hear the World Foundation – an initiative formed by Swiss hearing products group Phonak to raise awareness about hearing loss – said tests showed it produced a dangerously loud sound, far out-blasting a chain-saw. The tests found the vuvuzela emitted 127 decibels – more than the air horn (123.5 decibels) and Brazil’s samba drums.
Hear the World said extended exposure to 85 decibels risked permanent hearing loss, and urged World Cup fans to use protection, such as ear plugs and ear muffs.
The government yesterday urged soccer fans to refrain from blowing vuvuzelas while national anthems were being played in stadiums during the World Cup, but rather to stand to attention, with hands at their sides, to show the necessary respect.
“Respect for the anthem is part of the total experience of the 2010 Fifa World Cup,” government spokesman Themba Maseko said. – Sapa
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