Vietnam sets record for loudest cheering volume at AFF Cup 2018

According to the AFF Cup 2018 Organizing Committee, when Quang Hai opened the score in the 83rd minute of the second leg semi-final match against the Philippines, Vietnamese fans created a celebration sound of up to 121.7 dB (unit of sound intensity measurement), higher than the human hearing threshold (over 120 dB). This is also the record for cheering sound at the AFF Cup 2018, to date.

Malaysian fans created a noise level of 117 dB (second only to Vietnam) during the match against Laos at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia on November 13. According to statistics from the Organizing Committee, only about 12,000 spectators were present in the stands that day, while Malaysia's national stadium has enough space for nearly 90,000 fans.

Vietnamese fans set a record for the loudest cheering sound at the AFF Cup 2018 with 121.7 dB. Photo: AFF Suzuki Cup

The delicate hair cells in the human cochlea can be damaged over time or by exposure to loud sounds, says audiologist Jennifer Taylor, MD. The risk of damage depends on the loudness of the sound and the length of exposure.

Hearing damage can occur if you are exposed to sounds of 85 dB for about 15 minutes. If you are exposed to sounds of more than 100 dB for several hours, the damage to your hearing can be many times higher, according to the CDC.EH.

"Sounds that are too loud can cause temporary changes in hearing thresholds, muffled sounds that cause tinnitus, and can even lead to permanent hearing loss over time," says Jennifer.

The best way to protect your hearing is to wear ear muffs or earplugs. These can reduce sound levels by 20 to 30 dB, bringing noise levels into a safer range. If you are taking young children to the stadium, make sure they have properly sized hearing protection.