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It wouldn't be Memorial day weekend without the Indy 500! This Sunday marks the 103rd anniversary of the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing.' Whether you're heading to the event or have Summer plans to watch racing at your local speedway, have you thought about the noise levels?

Did you know that any noise louder than 85 decibels can be harmful to your hearing and cause permanent damage? Perhaps, you've considered the loudness of cars, which can reach almost 140 decibels, but have contemplated the other loud noises at a racetrack? In addition to the ground-shaking roar of car engines there are also air guns, power generators, fuel pumps and tractors hauling cars and equipment. We also have to factor in the loud speakers, live music and hundreds, or in the case of the Indy 500- three hundred thousand, excited cheering spectators. In fact, did you know one of the loudest places at a racetrack is under the grandstand? Sound actually reverberates off the underside of the stands making the lower level extremely loud! 

Some fans argue that one of the main reasons they attend races is to get hyped up from all of the noise and claim their hearing hasn't been affected. Though, many people who subject their ears to high decibels of noise for a prolonged period of time will attain hearing loss. Since their is no way to determine if you are one of the lucky ones whose genes will protect their hearing, we recommend considering custom ear plugs. Contrary to popular opinion, ear plugs DO NOT block out all of the noise. In reality, you can hear many loud sounds still, especially at a race. If you would like to learn more about custom earplugs simply contact our office by phone or submit your information on our Contact Us page.