Hearing experts at a leading deaf charity have labelled the notorious vuvuzela trumpet "dangerous", and warn that World Cup fans may be left with serious long-term damage.
The plastic horn has become an icon feature of the South African tournament, and can emit sounds of up to 130 decibels - louder than an aeroplane taking off.
But scientists are warning fans that such high noise levels just inches from football fans' ears is likely to cause irreversible hearing damage.
Experts at the charity Deafness Research UK say that any volume above 120 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage in just a few seconds.
Vivienne Michael from the charity said: "No one wants to spoil the fun, but many people attending the matches in South Africa will be unaware of the risks they are taking with their hearing.
"We believe it is common sense that fans should be made aware of the dangers."
While FIFA chief Sepp Blatter has defended the horn as part of South African football culture, health professionals are now joining footballers, commentators and fans in their criticism of the vuvuzela.
Vivienne added: "Our advice to people would be to invest in some earplugs. They are cheap, freely available and could literally save your hearing.
"As a basic guide, 25 db is a whisper, 45-60 db is normal speaking, 80 db is traffic noise, 95 db is the standard sound of power tools, 120 db is a jet taking off and 130 db sees the onset of physical pain in the ears.
"To put the Vuvuzela into context, 91 db is considered safe for perhaps a few hours, while anything over 120 db can see permanent damage set in after just a few seconds of exposure."
The vuvuzela horn is already predicted to become a feature of the 2010/11 Premier League season, and bosses at Deafness UK are campaigning for legislation to limit the volume of the instrument before it arrives.
Fears grow for missing Liverpool teen
(Thu 09/02)
Liverpool youth charged over bomb scare
(Tue 07/02)
Trio admit drug racket at Liverpool Crown Court
(Mon 06/02)
Post a comment