Hearing Loss

[RichardNew]

A lot of us have permanent hearing loss. We're old and we're deaf. I offer this for the younger folks here who still have pretty good hearing.

NIOSH researchers found that, at the track, the noise reaches an unsafe level (meaning permanent hearing loss is likely) during a NASCAR race:

In less than a minute in the car
In less than two minutes in the pits and infield
In 7 to 10 minutes in the stands

Here's the whole article.

Richard Newton
Exhaust Headers

[Driven97]

What?

[PCA7GGR]

Now you tell us!

[Charles Freeborn]

Yeah, earplugs for me when driving, at trackside watching and anywhere near hot pits. I wear full earmuffs when I assist friends in the Hot Pits.
I use powertools for a living, so it's pretty second nature for me. Just had my ears tested and they're pretty good considering the abuse they've had and my age...

[stownsen914]

Earplugs for me in the racecar, muffled or not. And when I use power tools. I should probably be more careful when watching the races though.

[Matt Monson]

A few years back I upgraded my earplugs for when I am in the paddock and pits.
Walker's GameEar® Ultimate Quad Muff : Cabela's

They are amazing. I can actually hear people in a conversation when the track is hot.

[Jack Olsen]

Hearing loss is cumulative and irreversible... and preventable. I wish there were an effective way to impress this on younger people.

[crashmy911]

I've lost some hearing ability. Can't hear anything wife asks me to do!

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

Hearing loss is cumulative and irreversible... and preventable. I wish there were an effective way to impress this on younger people.

Ive got pink ear muffs for my daughter. She has never been to the track without ear protection. I treat it like I treat her bike helmet. Use it or don't do it.

[ChrisBennet]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

Hearing loss is cumulative and irreversible... and preventable. I wish there were an effective way to impress this on younger people.

They need to run a PSA [1] with something like "Hearing Loss is Sexy" for a theme.

[1] public service announcement

[cstreit]

I'm sure I hurt my hearing not wearing ear plugs in my early racing. I regret it.

[DaddyGlenn]

Anyone remember how loud the IMSA Mazda RX-7's were in the late 70's/early 80's? I blame them.

[stownsen914]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

Anyone remember how loud the IMSA Mazda RX-7's were in the late 70's/early 80's? I blame them.

A race commentator once said something about the RX7 race cars making your ears bleed. Sounds about right ...

[3rd_gear_Ted]

A "gaggle" (right term?) of boxster specs is VERY loud to be amongst too

[racer]

What? Couldn't hear you. Could you type in ALL CAPS next time?

[Plavan]

Stilo helmet with the Earmuffs/radio option was the best thing I have ever bought.

[ted]

As an air traffic controller I always was careful with my hearing.
Wearing ear plugs all day at the track.
At Laguna last month met the owners of this hearing protection company geared to race drivers.
https://superiorsoundtechnology.com/

[IROC]

What do you guys do when you have radios? I have suffered damage to my right ear that I now live with every day and would love to limit further damage, but we run a radio setup and run 1.75 to 2-hours stints. Is there something that can be used in conjunction with the radio earbuds? I have a Bell Sport helmet, FWIW.

[Pete R]

Originally Posted by Plavan

Stilo helmet with the Earmuffs/radio option was the best thing I have ever bought.

+1 This is exactly what I was going to write. Every one knows not to talk to me once my helmet is on. I literally can't understand anything. I'm the only one on the team that the crew can understand from the car too

[ian c2]

I’m lucky , I guess .
I’ve been told I only have selective hearing .