The Vuvuzela is now a key symbol in the history of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The sound of the vuvuzela instrument was the topic of much discussion throughout and after the end of the World Cup. Although many people considered it to be seemingly harmless the vuvuzela does pose health risks. It generates an extremely loud monotone sound when played, one which has been an irritation for many football fans worldwide since the World Cup began.
The noise resulting from the Vuvuzela has been proven to cause hearing loss when the exposure levels are high such as during a packed football stadium of fellow fans all blowing on them. The noise alone was considered beyond irritating by many.
Deafness Research UK have responded to worries of the effects of the Vuvuzela; ‘The competition could also score an own goal – with football fans risking permanent noise induced hearing loss, from the constant use of Vuvuzela horns.”
Many South African football fans are used to the presence of the Vuvuzela at football matches but the thousands of other supporters were not and at the time demanded a ban on the instruments. It was not granted as the Vuvuzela was deemed to be a part of South African tradition.
The deafening pitch created by the Vuvuzela can eventually lead to serious health problems relating to the ears which confirm the fears the fans present at the world cup had. Deafness Campaigners are now looking to prevent them from being used in future football and sporting events.
There is already many lots of risks to people in the UK regarding noise induced hearing loss, adding to this with the use of Vuvuzelas is not something health campaigners will be happy about. Work place noise induced hearing loss is a common problem here in the UK, having the Vuvuzela present in leisure time could see many people suffering.
If working in a noisy environment has affected your hearing, then you may have a case for a noise induced hearing loss. Visit the What’s My Deafness Claim Worth site to learn more about how to begin anindustrial deafness claim.