Cheering fans won’t be the only thing generating noise at the World Cup this weekend. South Africa’s ‘vuvuzela’ trumpet has just been deemed the loudest of all fan instruments by Hear The World Global Foundation. The three-foot long trumpet, that will be represented in abundance, blasts sound levels of 127-decibel (dB), that’s louder than a chainsaw (100 dB), lawnmower (107 dB), referee whistle (121 dB) or even a jet engine at take-off (124 dB).
Crowds in South Africa have been blowing the horn at matches since the early 1990s because they believe it intimidates opposing teams. During the World Cup the ‘vuvu’ will be roaring in the 60,000 seat stadium. The explosion of noise can cause hearing loss in less than 15 minutes. Local and National officials are encouraging attendees to bring hearing protection.
Read the entire story on the ‘vuvu’ and the sounds of the World Cup here.
What the ‘vuvu’ sounds like during a game.