Acoustic characterization of vuvuzelas.
Richard J. Ruhala, Kenneth A. Cunefare, Tina Ortkiese, Laura Ruhala · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 2011
Vuvuzelas are inexpensive plastic horns that became a part of the American vocabulary during the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa. Spectators were allowed to play these horns during the game, causing major noise complaints from athletes and spectators alike, including television listeners from around the world. The vuvuzelas and similar small, plastic horns are now being sold in the US and other countries, and there is concern that they will create a related noise problem at future sporting events. Several noise measurements have been reported in the literature, but rigorous acoustical experimental methods were lacking. This work presents the measured sound power and spectra produced by several different vuvuzelas, one at a time, inside a hemianechoic chamber. A variety of volunteers have played the horns so that the measurements provide a realistic range of levels. Furthermore, a model is developed to predict noise levels within the stands and on the playing field.