[Stewart Way]

Jim
Most of us in racing didn't and don't take proper measures to protect our ears. I started with NHRA on the starting line in 1970 and no one wore any ear protection. Years between fuel cars did take its toll and I don't remember if I knew better back then or I was just young and dumb.
My eardrum tear was caused during the treatment for a fungal infection but tests reveal some high frequency loss and the ear MD was able to see the tiny bones behind the drum thru the tear and there was some degradation. I only showed around 30% loss from ear to ear with the tear but what also was missing was the ability to triangulate. If I was in the den and my cell phone was somewhere else I couldn't tell which room it was ringing in without turning my head. Couldn't tell where any sounds came from. For what I put my ears thru over the years my hearing is still pretty good, not that the wife would agree with that. I do wear plugs or cover my ears on the starting line now.
I could have opted for no repair but that would require lots of care not to get water in that ear and not sure that's possible with grandkids and a pool.