Vuvuzela Ban Prevents Partial Hearing

CEO at Deafness Research UK Vivienne Micheal
opposes the use of Vuvuzela's in football matches

The Vuvuzela became a national institution 2 years ago - but what about  the hazards they caused? According to Vivienne Micheal, they can cause deafness or partial hearing, and cause grief to future generations. Yet the bee-like noise has taken a shine in Britain, with over 20,000 of red Vuvuzelas selling within 12 hours of England's first match back in 2010.

 However, despite a somewhat split of opinion among fans on whether the Vuvuzela is loved or loathed, UEFA have decided against them in the Champions League, Europa League and Euro 2012 respectively. This is mainly due to the African Trumpets emitting 130 decibels, which not only distract the players, but can cause deafness within the crowd.

 CEO at Deafness Research UK, Vivienne Micheal, said:  "National Charity Deafness Research UK has been campaigning since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa for a ban on the Vuvuzela in all football and sports grounds. Our campaign has included letters to national newspapers, football clubs and fanzines to warn spectators directly of the dangers these trumpets could pose to their hearing."

 "Capable of emitting sounds in excess of 130 decibels, the use of these instruments at stadiums in the UK risks the creation of a ticking tinnitus timebomb for future generations to have to deal with."

 "We take our hats off to UEFA, who have now heeded the concerns over these trumpets of torture and banned them from all stadiums in all competitions from the Champions League, Europa League and the Euro 2012 finals. Hopefully the authorities in the UK can now follow the Euro tune and put in place a blanket ban on these horns."

 One in seven people in the UK will suffer hearing loss, however Vuvuzelas may cause an increase in that figure. With thousands of people attending Barclay's Premier League matches every week during the football season, it is no wonder why there are worries that the introduction of Vuvuzela's could prove fatal in Britain's future generations. Yet the ban of Vuvuzelas in the Premier League was not introduced by the FA - but by the clubs themselves. Such matters were not at the heart of interest for the Football officials, but many clubs feared for safety of the fans and the players if the Vuvuzela was introduced into English football.