Can driving with open windows lead to irreversible 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.
Picture this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches out before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. On such a picturesque day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose risks to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
Think it’s not very loud? British researchers conducted tests using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was minimal 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.
Could this level of noise create a hazard of triggering lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can lead to irreversible hearing loss.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors cause a rise in noise levels when windows are down?
While your vehicle might seem loud, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid explosions in their cylinders, representing approximately 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A somewhat quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can considerably increase the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have revealed that cyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, particularly since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Heavier traffic leads to louder noise
Every 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 cars passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
Tips for minimizing risks and ensuring safe driving
If you enjoy driving with windows down, consider these steps to decrease hearing loss threats:
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in normal traffic conditions (avoid utilizing them when operating a vehicle).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about purchasing helmets that are especially made to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close watch on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows up.
In summary, driving with windows down exposes you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking steps to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still taking pleasure in the pleasure of driving with the windows down.
Call us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.