Can driving with open windows lead to irreversible damage to your hearing? Does it save money on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a fresh perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches out before you, almost free of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? What’s the point of squandering valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down present dangers to your hearing?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not very loud? British scientists conducted trials using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at 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.
Could this level of noise create a danger of causing lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely result in permanent harm to one’s hearing.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, like those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors cause a rise in volume levels when windows are open?
Numerous aspects can increase the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem loud.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gas engines generate around 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered automobiles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, particularly when operating in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your car can significantly increase the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have demonstrated that bicyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that cars experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows down can indeed impact your hearing.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes adds to the total volume level. In addition to 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.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving strategies
If you like driving with windows open, consider these measures to decrease hearing loss risks:
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to put up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Utilize smartphone apps to monitor noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- To safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows open.
In summary, driving with windows down subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking steps to protect your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows down.
Get in touch with us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.