World Cup horns could damage hearing, spread infectious diseases.

Moral of the story: wear earplugs and wash your hands.

Source: AMA Morning Rounds 6/16/2010

World Cup horns could damage hearing, spread infectious diseases.

The Wall Street Journal (6/15, Stewart) reported that instead of the enthusiastic chants and cheers which usually play background to the World Cup, fans are hearing something quite different: loud plastic horns known as vuvuzelas. Traditionally, they were used to rally people living in remote places. Today, however, they are being used to champion athletes. But, in addition to the conflict they're causing among attendees and broadcasters, health experts are now saying they prompt hearing loss. In fact, researchers have found that even in the presence of hearing protection, the sound is "unacceptably high," louder even than an air horn and chain saw. The horn's biggest threat, however, is its ability to spread infectious disease like the flu.