Is driving with the windows open detrimental to your hearing? Does it save money on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a new viewpoint on these questions.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. On such a picturesque day, running 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 harmful to your ears?
What are the potential hazards connected to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s very loud. British scientists conducted tests using different makes 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.
Their findings were consistent: irrespective of the vehicle model or speed, driving with windows down exposed the driver to a near-constant noise level of 89 decibels.
Does this noise level pose a risk of irreversible hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely result in irreversible harm to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can occur within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors create a surge in volume levels when windows are open?
Various elements can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle may already seem loud.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise because of the swift combustion process happening within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of vehicles that use gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines may offer a quieter ride. 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 produce noticeable hissing 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 volume rises to 120 dB, according to recent research. Given that cars experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Heavier traffic results in louder sounds
Every passing vehicle, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further boosting overall noise levels.
How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Decrease the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these measures.
- 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 volumes.
- Utilize smartphone apps to monitor noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.
In summary, driving with windows down exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
Taking steps to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the pleasure of driving with the windows down.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.
