Can driving with open windows cause irreversible harm to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a fresh perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, nearly free of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open present dangers to your hearing?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not very loud? Researchers in the UK carried out 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.
Could this level of noise present a danger of causing long-term damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely cause irreversible harm to one’s hearing.
Prolonged exposure to extremely loud noises, such as those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What contributes to escalated noise with open windows?
Numerous elements can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
Most gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid explosions in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered automobiles. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Alternatively, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can considerably add to the total noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. At just 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume rises to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Given that automobiles experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can certainly impact your hearing.
Heavier traffic leads to louder sounds
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes adds to the total noise level. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further boosting overall noise levels.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving practices
If you enjoy driving with windows down, consider these measures to minimize hearing loss risks:
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, alternating between windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, shutting the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer volumes.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in typical traffic conditions (avoid using them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid 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.
- It’s essential to keep a close watch on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows up.
In conclusion, driving with windows open subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the pleasure of driving with the windows open.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.