Comments on: Vuvuzelas could cause hearing damage

By: Tony Abrahamson

Tony Abrahamson — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:27:11 +0000

Hi Cheryl
I also had an opportunity to use my Noise-Bans on Monday when Portugal played North Korea at Greenpoint. Wonderfully effective, as they almost entirely eliminated the Vuvuzelas, and removed any concerns I had about being exposed to potentially damaging decibels. Actually, the journey to and from the stadium and especially the fanwalk was the most risky, as enthusiastic fans tend to blast on their horns at random and this can be inches away from your ears. However, what a blast, I enjoyed the vibe like everyone and would not change anything – all that is needed is self protection. I am however concerned that a lot of people have already caused themselves some lasting damage. My wife used the compressible “Vuvuzela” earplugs and she found these effective enough, but of course Noise-Bans are the best.

By: Fred Benning

Fred Benning — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:33:03 +0000

Hi Cheryl,
Your news snippet was of great interest as I also attended the second game here in Cape Town. However, I decided to just ‘swith-off’ my H/A’s which help to save what little hearing I do have for periods when there are no vuvuzela’s blasting away. Nevertheless, thanks for showing interest in our Hear2day site, and informing us of the success you enjoyed using the Noise-Bans. Cheers Fred Benning Exco Hear2day

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:22:11 +0000

Hi, I also have Noise-Bans, and they made a huge difference at the stadium yesterday at the Ghana vs Serbia match. You can still the racket, but it’s not painful. I paid R850 for mine, and they were worth every cent – they can last forever if you look after them. Considering foam plugs are single-use only, this is great. Foam plugs are also not as effective, I find. You can go to http://www.hass.co.za, but you can also go to http://www.earinstitute.co.za – all the Ear Institutes can also organise Noise-Bans for you – they take the mould and then send it to the lab in pretoria to get made.

By: Tony Abrahamson

Tony Abrahamson — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:29:39 +0000

Hi Fred & any others who would like to pursue the Noise-Ban

The supplier Noise-Ban provides a professional service in conjunction with one of our audiologists that involves two consultations, first making moulds of both ear canals and thereafter they purpose-make and supply the personalization noise attenuation earplugs. The fit must be exact for the devices to be properly effective. I have found mine particularly valuable at outdoor pop concerts, where the noise level is literally deafening and these devices enable one to still communicate and hear sounds as they merely reduce decibel levels. I also wear mine whenever I use a loud power tool such as a hammer drill.

Noise-Ban market their products to manufacturers where employees on the factory floor are often subjected to sustained high decibel levels.

Visit their website at http://www.hass.co.za/

The total cost is likely to be between R 1000 and R 2000.

By: Fred Benning

Fred Benning — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:00:39 +0000

Hi Tony,
Please so kind as to pass on this useful info to all our members some of whom like myself will also be attending. Where does one procure these Noise-Ban protection devuces and what kind of cost are we talking about.

Mant thanks

Fred B

By: Tony Abrahamson

Tony Abrahamson — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:46:57 +0000

I have tickets for one of the group matched in Cape Town, and have prepared myself in advance for the auditory onslaught of the Vuvuzelas, knowing that the decibel level is potentially damaging to hearing. With already compromised hearing, I am anxious that no further damage is caused unnecessarily. Fortunately I recently had a pair of Noise-Ban hearing protection devices made, which reduces noise by 35dB. This should be OK to take the bark out of the Vuvuzelas!