Can driving with open windows cause permanent damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a new perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you travel along at a comfortable 55 MPH, savoring the cool breeze through your open windows. On such a beautiful day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?
What are the potential risks connected to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not very loud? British scientists conducted tests using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was less traffic, driving at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour.
Their findings were consistent: irrespective of the vehicle model or speed, driving with windows down exposed the driver to a near-constant noise level of 89 decibels.
Could this volume of noise present a danger of triggering lasting harm to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can result in irreversible damage to one’s hearing.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors create a surge in noise levels when windows are down?
While your vehicle may seem noisy, a number of factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise because of the swift combustion process occurring inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of vehicles that use gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might offer a quieter ride. Conversely, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can generate more than 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing sounds, adding significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. At only 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume increases to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, particularly since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Increased traffic results in louder noise
Each passing vehicle, even on multi-lane freeways, adds to noise amplification. Along with the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air created by other vehicles passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
Tips for decreasing risks and ensuring safe driving
Reduce the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these steps.
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to minimize noise exposure is to roll up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in regular traffic conditions (avoid utilizing them when operating a vehicle).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is advisable to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets developed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows open can expose you to a variety of potentially harmful sounds, such as the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a threat to your auditory well-being.
By adopting preventative measures, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.