Even if you don't really like soccer, you can't help but get caught up in all the hype of World Cup Soccer. It only comes around once every four years. This year, the games are being held in South Africa. If you've caught a glimpse of the games, you can't help but notice the really annoying sound that persists through the duration of the game. It is deafening even through the television speakers.
Vuvuzelas: FIFA sanctions signature South African horn
Well, the Niosh Science Blog recently posted an article called Vuvuzelas: What's the Buzz? discussing the potential hazards of the noisemakers in question. They are called vuvuzelas. The vuvuzela is a plastic, meter-long South African horn and it has been sanctioned by FIFA as part of the "signature South African World Cup" games.
South African Medical Journal Study Says: Too Loud!
The article mentions a study published in the South African Medical Journal that found that the noise output created by the vuvuzela, an average of 131 decibels, is dangerously high. The maximum peak level can reach as high as 144 decibels. By comparison, a jet engine at takeoff measures between 130 and 140 decibels. Wow. That's loud! The study also found significant changes to participants hearing and cochlear responsiveness after being exposed to such high levels of noise. Thus, the results of the study led researchers to recommend hearing protection for football match spectators.
Fans go crazy for World Cup Soccer and consider themselves extremely lucky to be able to attend a game. But what about the players, event workers, broadcasters and referees who are repeatedly exposed to such high levels of noise? Let's hope they are wearing ear plugs.
Ban the Horns?
The study and Niosh warn that hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) are potential hazards due to such exposure and can significantly interfere with communication and quality of life. Some soccer teams are calling for a ban of the horns. However, vuvuzelas continue to be allowed at the games and pose major hearing hazards to anyone exposed to the obnoxious noise.
Want to catch the buzz? Go get some ear plugs and visit ESPN shows live streaming videos of World Cup Soccer.
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