<P> The vuvuzelas have the potential to cause noise - induced hearing loss . Prof James Hall III, Dr Dirk Koekemoer, De Wet Swanepoel and colleagues at the University of Pretoria found that vuvuzelas can have a negative effect when a listener's eardrums are exposed to the instrument's high - intensity sound . The vuvuzelas produce an average sound pressure of 113 dB (A) at 2 metres (6.6 ft) from the device opening . The study finds that subjects should not be exposed to more than 15 minutes per day at an intensity of 100 dB (A). The study assumes that if a single vuvuzela emits a sound that is dangerously loud to subjects within a 2 - metre radius, and numerous vuvuzelas are typically blown together for the duration of a match, it may put spectators at a significant risk of hearing loss . Hearing loss experts at the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommend that exposure at the 113 dB (A) level not exceed 45 seconds per day . A newer model has a modified mouthpiece that reduces the volume by 20 dB . </P> <P> Concerns about the constant intensities produced by the vuvuzelas during the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches were raised independently by representatives of international football teams, spectators and sports commentators . The noise levels that were demonstrated during the 2010 FIFA World Cup prompted various sporting organisations to ban the vuvuzela at future events and venues, even including future World Cups: </P> <Ul> <Li> Wembley Stadium (as part of an overall ban of noisemakers) </Li> <Li> 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups </Li> <Li> All sporting events at the Cardiff City, SWALEC, and Millennium Stadiums </Li> <Li> Wimbledon </Li> <Li> Lord's Cricket Ground </Li> <Li> Melbourne Cricket Ground </Li> <Li> The WACA Ground in Perth . </Li> <Li> The Gabba Cricket Ground in Brisbane . </Li> <Li> The Sydney Cricket Ground </Li> <Li> The now defunct Champion's League Twenty20 cricket tournament . </Li> <Li> Yankee Stadium </Li> <Li> Fuji Rock Festival </Li> <Li> The Southeastern Conference of US college sports </Li> <Li> Ultimate Fighting Championship events . </Li> <Li> Gaelic Athletic Association events </Li> <Li> Little League World Series (from 2010 onward) </Li> <Li> Jeld - Wen Field </Li> <Li> UEFA, including all Champions League, Europa League, and European Championship matches </Li> <Li> Rugby World Cup (starting in 2011) </Li> <Li> Kontinental Hockey League </Li> <Li> 2010 FIBA World Championship and other basketball tournaments from then on </Li> <Li> National Football League (as part of an overall ban of noisemakers) </Li> <Li> The Evolution Championship Series for fighting games . </Li> <Li> Vermont Principals' Association High school sports </Li> </Ul> <Li> Wembley Stadium (as part of an overall ban of noisemakers) </Li>

What is that noise at the world cup