This article is for klvalus and you know who.

For millions of NASCAR fans the roar of the engines is one of the major reasons the sport has risen to such wild popularity. The sound of 43 cars rushing past you at 170 MPH is the ultimate exhilaration. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to that same sound can lead to hearing damage, or worse, hearing loss. Everyone knows that race cars are loud yet every week I see too many fans with no hearing protection of any kind. Hearing is an important part of our lives, and our NASCAR passion, but many NASCAR fans are not taking good care of their ears at the track.

Decibel levels at NASCAR races are dangerously high, according to recent studies by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The noise also makes it more hazardous not only for fans, but also for drivers, crew members and everyone else who spends time at a racetrack during a NASCAR event. A co-author of the studies, Dr. Luann E. Van Campen, said N.I.O.S.H. viewed Bristol Motor Speedway as a worst-case situation for noise because of the bowl-like stadium track surrounded by stands that rise 21 stories. The first study by N.I.O.S.H., the government agency that conducts research on health and safety issues, was published by The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene in August 2005. It focused on tests conducted at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Chemical and noise exposures were measured at Bristol and at an undisclosed race team shop. The study found chemical exposure to be low but noise exposure high. “Employees involved in stock car racing are routinely exposed to extreme levels of noise, and auditory damage will ensue eventually,” according to the report’s conclusion. “More immediate concerns include the occupational risks posed by possible noise-induced fatigue, stress and miscommunication.”

Chucri A. Kardous, an N.I.O.S.H. engineer and a co-author of the studies, said the noise level of 43 cars during a race was “equivalent to a jet engine.” “It’s higher than what we call here at N.I.O.S.H. an allowable limit,” he said. Peak sound levels can exceed 140 decibels during races; N.I.O.S.H. typically recommends having protection when levels exceed 85 (dB). According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) a person can listen to a 90 (dB) sound for 8 hours straight without any hearing damage. 90 dB is approximately as loud as a busy city street. Adding just a few decibels cuts that safe time dramatically. At 115 dB you can only listen safely for 15 minutes. A NASCAR Winston Cup race car at full throttle measures approximately 130 dB. And that is just one car, not a full 43 cars with their sounds echoing off of aluminum grandstands. That exposure could last for three or four hours, the duration of a race. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said officials had not focused on the matter since the 1970s, when noise became an issue primarily among people living near racetracks.

But the N.I.O.S.H. findings are hardly a shock to those who spend time at the track. Seven-time champion Richard Petty has blamed racing for his hearing loss and now wears a hearing aid. After 32 years of racing everything from go-karts to stock cars, including 14 seasons in NASCAR’s premier Cup series, Jeff Burton is a victim, too. “My hearing’s not great, but there’s a reason for that,” he said. “When I was younger, I didn’t worry a whole lot about it. But I do now. Maybe too late.” Many drivers use custom-molded plastic earplugs during races; Burton wears foam plugs. He said he did not know the Noise Reduction Rating for his ear protection. The rating indicates the number of decibels a protection device can block.

Crew members and other NASCAR staff members typically wear communication headsets during races. NASCAR requires its employees to wear protection. The headsets protect the ears but lose some of their effectiveness when the volume is turned up to allow communication among staff and crew.

There have been no studies conducted to determine the proper Noise Reduction Rating for drivers, crew members and fans at NASCAR events. One of several recommendations from the first report included further studies on proper protection levels for earplugs and headsets. Those recommendations have not been followed. Thais Morata of N.I.O.S.H., another co-author of the studies, said it would be up to NASCAR, drivers or teams to approach the institute about further research. However, there may be another option. NASCAR could use mufflers to reduce the noise during races. “That’s the primary source of the noise, so obviously, that would be the top recommendation if we could make it,” Kardous said. But Hunter said that NASCAR tried mufflers in the 1960s and that they did not have a significant effect on decibel levels.

I truly love the sounds of a NASCAR race. 43 800-horsepower monsters and 150,000 screaming fans make my pulse race and puts a permanent smile on my face. However, I never go to the race track without my hearing protection. The solution is obvious, if you're going to the race you need to protect your hearing! There are a couple of different options depending on your budget. Scanners are unique to NASCAR. Fans can rent TrackScan that has a handheld device with a tiny TV and access to the frequencies with the chatter between driver and pit crew. They can also rent or buy just the scanner to listen to team audio. If you own a scanner buy a decent headset with at least a 20dB noise reduction rating.

If you are still on the fence about whether or not you need a scanner, maybe this is reason enough to go for it. Just don't turn up the volume more than you need to. At an absolute minimum if you are going to a NASCAR race you need to use earplugs. Even buying them at the track they can be had for $2 per pair. Buy them in advance and you can get them for half that. If you can afford tickets, parking, souvenirs, food and drinks you can certainly afford a couple bucks to protect your health.

If you're afraid that they look dorky, would you prefer to have to wear a hearing aid? Take care of your hearing.