Is driving with the windows down harmful to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these concerns.
Picture this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. On such a beautiful day, running the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste precious gas?
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. British researchers carried out trials using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was less 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.
Does this noise level pose a danger of irreversible hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause permanent 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 contribute escalated noise with open windows?
While your car might seem noisy, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gas engines generate about 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid combustion in their cylinders, representing approximately 80% of gas-powered automobiles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might offer a quieter ride. Alternatively, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can generate over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can dramatically increase the overall noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. At only 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume increases to 120 dB, according to recent research. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Heavier traffic leads to louder noise
Every passing vehicle, even on multi-lane highways, adds to noise amplification. Along with the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other cars passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving strategies
If you like driving with windows open, consider these steps to minimize hearing loss risks:
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, alternating between windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to minimize noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Utilize cell phone apps to monitor noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- 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.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets developed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can subject you to a range of potentially harmful sounds, including the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a risk to your auditory well-being.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows open.
Call us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.