RNID trumpets 'own goal' warning for World Cup fans

RNID is calling on football fans at the World Cup to defend themselves against the risk of temporary tinnitus or permanent hearing damage posed by the noisy vuvuzela plastic trumpets which are popular with South African supporters.

..The largest charity in the UK working on hearing loss is concerned about people over-exposing themselves to potentially damaging levels of sounds during the tournament. A vuvuzela just behind you will hit you with more than 125 decibels of sound, which will really hurt your ears and, when added to hours of partying with loud music, can cause permanent hearing loss over time according to the World Health Organisation.

RNID's Senior Audiology Specialist, Angela King, says; "Football fans are running the risk of tinnitus – ringing, whistling, humming or buzzing in their head or ears – or permanently damaging their hearing if they don't tackle the cumulative effects of exposure to loud volumes from vuvuzelas and music during the World Cup.

"Noise over 85 decibels can cause damage over time. Vuvuzelas produce levels with more than five times that damage potential so we're urging supporters to ensure they don't score an own goal for their hearing and wear reusable earplugs in stadia and when partying in pubs, clubs and football festivals."

Trevor Moody, a 27-year-old Londoner, is taking earplugs to protect his hearing during England's World Cup adventure. Trevor says: "I've already lost some hearing through an infection in one of my ears and really value my hearing as a result. Those vuvuzela trumpets sound like they won't be doing my hearing any favours so l'll be wearing earplugs to protect myself and safely enjoy the party atmosphere in the stadia and, hopefully, all the celebrations in pubs and clubs as England progress!"