The vuvuzela is a popular South African noise-maker that has gained much attention in the recent months due to the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament. This plastic horn has also been the subject of much debate related to the hearing damage that it may cause, especially in a stadium where thousands of fans are blowing on their horns in unison. Love it or hate, the vuvuzela is here to stay, in South Africa at least, and it is important to learn how to protect your ears should you be in close proximity to the instrument.
Can the vuvuzela sound damage hearing?
Yes, if blown in close proximity to the ear, the vuvuzela may cause temporary noise-induced hearing loss. This, however, should return in a few days to weeks depending on the sound volume and period of exposure. Repeat or prolonged exposure will result in permanent hearing problems although the onset in these instances are usually more gradual – initially there is some loss but the hearing returns partially. The sound volume from a single vuvuzela may clock in at about 125 decibels although the cacophany within a stadium may reach up to 140 decibels (dB).
The seasonal flu (influenza) and the common cold are two viral infections that are contracted many times in a person’s life. These conditions are not life threatening in a healthy person and within 3 to 5 days, the most severe stages of the infection should pass.
It is not unusual to get the flu or cold at least two times in a year. Some people may contract these infections more often if they are stressed, not eating well, living in colder environments or do not live a healthy lifestyle. However, frequent colds and flu should be investigated to identify other underlying disorders that may be impairing the immune functioning, like HIV/AIDS.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland which produces an excess of thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis are many and varied – an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) and weight loss being some of them – and treatment may include medication, radioactive iodine therapy or surgery.
Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid.
Diarrhoea, or “runny tummy”/”running stomach”, is frequent liquid stools or loose bowel movements which is one of the most common illnesses that affects all age groups. In most cases it resolves on its own without leading to any complications. However, in babies, toddlers and children, a parent has to be especially careful and guard against dehydration. This can rapidly set in with dangerous consequences and may even become life-threatening. In babies, sometimes the stool can be so liquid that it can be mistaken for urine.
The frequency of bowel movement in a normal states can range from three motions per day to one every third day. Normal stool consistency can vary from soft, porridge-like, to hard and pellet-like. Increased stool frequency, more than three times in a day, with passage of loose, unformed, watery stools is known as diarrhoea – runny tummy or loose motion.
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A sore throat is a feeling of discomfort, dryness or scratchiness/ itchiness of the throat that often makes swallowing difficult. Other symptoms that may be present include pain upon swallowing, a hoarse voice and swollen neck lymph nodes.It may be caused by a number of factors with infections being the most common cause. Upon examination, inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis) and surrounding structures looks like there is redness with swelling, making the area more bright and shiny than the normal appearance.
If a sore throat is present with the inability to swallow or difficulty breathing, immediate medical attention is necessary.
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