One of the most prestigious sports competitions will begin on June 15: the football world cup. Four years ago, this meeting made it possible to discuss a problem that affects nearly one in 6 French people: tinnitus. The surprise invitation of the Vuvuzelas, a kind of local trumpet, had plunged the spectators into an unbearable atmosphere causing among them many sound traumas. PasseportSanté questions Roselyne Nicolas, president of the association France Tinnitus.
Roselyne Nicolas, can you explain to us what happens inside the ear when a spectator experiences a sound level of around 130 decibels for 90 minutes (level measured during the last World Cup)?
Hair cells in the ear that receive sound vibrations can be severely damaged when such a sound level is reached. Spectators risk hearing loss which could even persist over time since damaged hair cells cannot regenerate, even sometimes with emergency treatment which must be implemented within 48 hours after the trauma. And that, we do not say it enough!
What do you advise as a preventive measure for those who go to such noisy demonstrations?
You should know that there are no notable differences between closed environments such as discos and open environments such as stadiums. It is not because we are in the open air that we will not be touched! Especially since in this type of event, there are often speakers everywhere. The first piece of advice is obviously to have anti-noise plugs that significantly reduce the number of decibels. There are also plugs that reduce the number of decibels depending on the use that we are going to make of them, like the plugs used by musicians. Then, you must avoid standing near excessively noisy sound sources and do not hesitate to take breaks by moving away from the nuisance for a few moments. In the event of a sound trauma, you must very quickly consult either an ENT or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
What about people who already suffer from tinnitus? Should we deprive ourselves of this kind of festivities?
The best is to avoid going there. It can be difficult to accept, but people who suffer from tinnitus find that they can no longer do things the way they used to with their friends and families, and may have difficulty in their work. They are obliged to protect themselves as much as possible from new nuisances to avoid new dramatic consequences. They know they can’t go back to these noisy places. This is why it is important to focus on prevention!
Round ball fans are warned: if they still want to enjoy the festive atmosphere of sports games for a long time, they will have to be vigilant! Good news, however: the Brazilian justice minister has just banned Caxirola, a relatively noisy plastic maraca, in stadiums.
The Tinnitus Line of France: 0820 222 213
