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).
