Can driving with open windows cause irreversible damage to your hearing? Does it save money on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.
Picture this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. On such a beautiful day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste precious gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially hazardous to your ears?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s very loud. British researchers 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.
The researchers’ results were uniform: regardless of the type of vehicle or its speed, driving with the windows open subjected the driver to a nearly continuous sound level of at least 89 decibels.
Does this noise level pose a risk of permanent hearing damage?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can lead to permanent hearing loss.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can occur within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors contribute increased noise with open windows?
Numerous elements can boost the noise levels even while your vehicle might already seem noisy.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
Most gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for approximately 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A slightly quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Conversely, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can generate over 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your car can significantly increase the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. At just 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume rises to 120 dB, according to recent research. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars face increased wind resistance.
Increased traffic results in louder noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes adds to the total volume level. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further boosting total noise levels.
Tips for reducing risks and ensuring safe driving
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these guidelines.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible owners, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer levels.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in regular traffic situations (avoid using them when operating a vehicle).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close watch on your hearing health, particularly if you frequently drive with the windows up.
In conclusion, driving with windows open subjects you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still taking pleasure in the pleasure of driving with the windows open.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.