Local Specialist Is World Cup Hearing Expert!
June 2010
Over the past week, the world’s media has been packed with stories about the Vuvuzela – the South African trumpet that’s providing the monotonous sonic backdrop to this year’s World Cup.
After global charity, Hear the World, announced that exposure to the Vuvuzela could cause permanent hearing damage, the worlds media turned to Hertfordshire resident Robert Beiny, European Audiologist of the Year and Founder of the Hearing Healthcare Practice in Harpenden, for expert opinion.
The Vuvuzela, a trumpet-shaped plastic horn, is a common sight at South African sporting occasions but it has been found to emit ear-piercing noise measured at 127 decibels – louder than a lawnmower (90 decibels) and a chainsaw (100db).
Commenting, Robert Beiny, said: "To put it in perspective, when a sound is increased by ten decibels our ears perceive it as being twice as loud so 91 db is considered safe for perhaps a few hours, while anything over 120db can see permanent damage set in after just a few seconds of exposure.”
Robert continued, “No one wants to spoil the fun, but many people attending the matches in South Africa will be unaware of the risks they are taking with their hearing. I just believe it is common sense that fans should be made aware of the dangers.”
“My advice to fans would be to enjoy the atmosphere that the World Cup creates, but also to consider their hearing and remember if they are lucky enough to be traveling to the games to pack some earplugs. Once the damage is done it is irreversible.”
Since making this statement, Robert’s words have appeared in print across the world and he’s appeared on radio shows from the UK to Europe, Australia and the USA.
“It’s wonderful to be able to spread the message of hearing conservation around the world”, Robert says. “Once heard – either in person or on the TV – the Vuvuzela is not forgotten but it’s a great way to explain how prolonged exposure to loud noise is at first annoying then really dangerous to our hearing health. The noise levels of thousands of Vuvuzelas at once is really intense and we are now hearing reports that players and journalists have complained about their ears ringing long after the end of the game. Ringing ears or tinnitus is a clear warning sign that damage has occurred. Hopefully it will subside and the damage is not permanent.”
Lionel Messi, the Argentina and Barcelona player stated “It is impossible to communicate, it’s like being deaf.” Robert added, “If it’s that bad on the pitch, just imagine being in front of them in the stands”
Now the threat is even closer to home as Sainsburys have imported 90,000 which have all sold out so expect to hear Vuvezela’s on the terraces next season.
“Although in our day to day work, we help many people with hearing loss to hear better, and have improved quality of life, we also want to promote well being.
A great deal of our work at the Hearing Healthcare Practice is involved in preventing hearing loss and hearing protection. When it comes to hearing damage, prevention is always better than treatment.”
About the Hearing Healthcare Practice
The Hearing Healthcare Practice was formed in 1994 as a hearing aid audiological centre of excellence.
As well as helping people to hear, the Practice provides individual and organisational guidance on hearing conservation.
During a distinguished 30-year career Robert Beiny has been a prominent campaigner for patient welfare, and is also currently Vice-Chair of the Association of Hearing Healthcare Professionals (AIHHP). More recently he was awarded the title of “UK and European Audiologist of the Year”.
The UK and European Audiologist of the Year Awards are judged by an expert panel working from written submissions from patients. The Awards are open to private hearing healthcare practices, retail chains and public health organisations and give patients the opportunity to recognise those who go beyond the call of duty to provide outstanding service.
Under the guidance of Robert Beiny, HHP also acts as a consultant to the music industry, advising many famous professional and amateur musicians on issues of hearing protection and healthcare.
The Practice’s diverse client list covers all ages and all walks of life.
“HHP’s service, courtesy and willingness to help at all times are nothing but exemplary. I recommend HHP to all those who need tender loving care for their ears.”
Ray, Herts More…