Just like noise at work, event and security staff are suseptable to hearing loss from the noise of enthusiastic crowds, dance bands, rock concerts, and race cars.  

Sporting events can present similar problems. Sound testing at the World Cup last year, for example, found that blasts from horns that are so popular with spectators, reached an average of 113 dB when measured six feet away from the horn’s opening.

The maximum level was 144 dB, higher than a jet engine at take-off. Researchers recommended hearing protection even for spectators, but the real exposure for injury in such cases is to event staff.