Can driving with open windows lead to permanent damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows while driving? Let’s take a new look at these concerns.
Imagine this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? What’s the point of squandering valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open present dangers to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really loud. Researchers in the UK performed experiments with various vehicles, from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during non-peak hours at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 MPH.
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 present a risk of permanent hearing damage?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can lead to irreversible hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to extremely loud noises, such as those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors cause a rise in volume levels when windows are open?
While your vehicle may seem loud, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise because of the swift combustion process occurring inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of automobiles that run on gasoline. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Alternatively, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your car can significantly increase the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have shown that bicyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Heavier traffic leads to louder sounds
Every passing car, even on multi-lane freeways, adds to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further increasing total noise levels.
Tips for minimizing risks and promoting safe driving
If you like driving with windows open, consider these measures to minimize hearing loss risks:
- Take breaks during long drives, varying between windows up and down.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to roll up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in typical traffic situations (steer clear of using them when driving a vehicle).
- To prevent being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is recommended to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- In order to protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets designed to mitigate traffic noise.
- It’s essential to keep a close eye on your hearing health, particularly if you frequently drive with the windows open.
Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can expose you to a variety of potentially damaging sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a threat to your auditory health.
Taking steps to protect your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still taking pleasure in the pleasure of driving with the windows open.
Call us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.