<\/div>\n\n\n\n
What Race Day Does to Your Ears<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Race cars can reach extremely high sound levels, especially depending on your seat and how long you\u2019re exposed. That level of noise temporarily overwhelms the inner ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Race cars at the Indy 500 can exceed 130 decibels (dB) near the track, which is louder than a jackhammer and well above the 85 dB threshold<\/a> where hearing damage begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the race, you might notice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many people, these symptoms improve within 16\u201348 hours<\/strong> as the ears recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually normal:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Worth getting checked:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Get care urgently (don\u2019t wait):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n These urgent symptoms are different from typical post-noise recovery and should be evaluated right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your symptoms haven’t improved within a couple of days, it’s worth getting your hearing checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inside your ear are tiny hair cells that help process sound. Loud noise \u2014 like race-day engines \u2014 can temporarily stress or damage them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When that happens:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of the time this resolves, but not always, especially with repeated exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give your ears a chance to recover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If things are improving, that\u2019s a good sign. If not, it\u2019s time to check in with a professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you will be attending the race, hearing protection is worth planning ahead for<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Foam earplugs reduce exposure significantly and are inexpensive enough to keep in your bag. For frequent attendees or those with existing hearing concerns, custom-fitted earplugs from an audiologist offer better comfort and a more precise level of protection without blocking the experience entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Either way, protecting your ears before the noise starts is far easier than managing the effects after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some ringing or muffled hearing after the Indy 500 is common, but it should improve within a couple of days<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If it doesn\u2019t, or if symptoms are sudden, one-sided, or severe, don\u2019t wait, get it evaluated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That way, you can keep enjoying race day without risking long-term hearing issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For over 40 years, Professional Hearing Services<\/a> has been known for clinical expertise and a personal approach. Owned and operated by a doctor of audiology, the practice provides comprehensive hearing care, modern technology, and ongoing support designed to help patients hear better and live more confidently. Schedule an appointment<\/a> in Indianapolis, Indiana, or use HearingLoss.com to find a certified hearing care professional near you<\/a>, and explore additional resources, including a free online hearing screener<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" After the Indy 500, ringing ears may fade quickly or signal something more serious. Learn how long ear ringing lasts, what warning signs matter, and when to schedule an evaluation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":441,"featured_media":73424,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-73423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-hearing","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s Normal vs. What\u2019s Not<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Multiple](\"https:\/\/hearingloss.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/26-100-85-01769-Internal_HLC_Blog_WhyEarsRingAfterIndy500_OConnor_AG_April2026_FINAL_Image2.png\")
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<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"blog-cta-bg\"](\"https:\/\/hearingloss.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/blog-cta-bg3.gif\")
<\/span>Still Noticing Ringing or Muffled Hearing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhy This Happens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat to Do After Race Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/div>\n\n\n\nProtecting Your Ears at the Track<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/hearingloss.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/26-100-85-01769-Internal_HLC_Blog_WhyEarsRingAfterIndy500_OConnor_AG_April2026_FINAL_Image1.png\")
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<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAbout Professional Hearing Services in Indianapolis, Indiana<\/h2>\n\n\n\n