Formula One F1 Earplugs - Hearing protection

Formula 1 racing is so loud that fans would have to wear  Eartech F1 earplugs in order to enjoy the spectacle at safe noise levels.

Noise levels at Formula 1 races are loud enough to potentially cause hearing loss.

A generally safe decibel level for sound is around 75 dB. It is unlikely that hearing loss will occur even with extended exposure at this level. Once you increase this level to 80 dB, however, hearing loss becomes a risk. The time it takes for hearing loss to occur depends on how loud the sound is – the louder the noise, the quicker you will experience hearing damage. How loud is it?

Normal conversation – 60 dB

Motorcycle – 95 dB

Front row at a rock concert – 120 dB

Formula 1 race car at full throttle– 147 dB

As you can see, a Formula 1 race car is far above the 75dB safe zone, indicating that prolonged exposure is a risk for permanent hearing damage. Noise induced hearing loss can manifest itself in a few ways:

Damage to the inner ear causing the loss of high frequency hearing sensitivity over time. Noise induced hearing loss can also occur as tinnitus – buzzing, ringing, or hissing in the ear, preventing the sufferer from experiencing quiet. It usually occurs in both ears, but may not occur at equal severity in both ears depending on how the NIHL occurred and which ear was closer to that occurrence.

How to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

Prevention is the only real way to eliminate the risk of NIHL. If you plan to attend a Formula one race or participate in some other activity that produces sudden or consistent loud noise, there are measures you can take to protect your ears and your hearing:

If and when possible, put some distance between yourself and the noise source to lower the decibel level.
Wear Eartech F1 Earplugs. Ensure they are properly fitted to your ears.
After exposure, take some quiet time to yourself to allow your ears to stop ringing and fully recover.