Is driving with the windows down detrimental to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Let’s take a new look at these issues.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the highway almost empty, you travel along at a comfortable 55 MPH, savoring the cool breeze through your open windows. On such a picturesque day, running the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? What’s the point of squandering valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose risks to your hearing?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not very loud? British researchers carried out trials using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was minimal traffic, traveling 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 present a danger of triggering long-term damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely result in permanent harm to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors contribute increased noise with open windows?
Various elements can increase the sound levels even while your vehicle might already seem noisy.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise as a result of the swift combustion process taking place inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of automobiles that use gasoline. A slightly quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, especially when operating in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable whistling and whooshing noises, contributing significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. At just 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise rises to 120 dB, according to recent research. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Increased traffic leads to louder sounds
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes adds to the total noise level. Along with the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other cars passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
Tips for decreasing risks and ensuring safe driving
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these steps.
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer levels.
- Use smartphone apps to monitor noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate 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, especially if you frequently drive with the windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows open can subject you to a variety of potentially harmful sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a threat to your auditory health.
By adopting precautionary precaustions, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Get in touch with us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.