Can driving with open windows cause permanent damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a fresh perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. On such a beautiful day, running the car’s air conditioner seems excessive, doesn’t it? After all, why waste precious gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?
What are the potential risks connected to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s very loud. British scientists conducted tests using different types 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.
Does this noise level present a danger of irreversible hearing damage?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can lead to irreversible hearing loss.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors create a surge in volume levels when windows are down?
Various elements can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle might already seem noisy.
Engine and vehicle types
Most gas engines produce around 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for approximately 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, especially when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing sounds, adding significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. At just 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume increases to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Given that cars experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every car that drives 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 vehicles passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
Tips for reducing risks and promoting safe driving
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these measures.
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, varying between windows open and closed.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to minimize noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use cell phone apps to monitor noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is recommended to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- To protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows open.
Essentially, driving with the windows open can subject you to a range of potentially harmful sounds, such as the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a threat to your auditory well-being.
By embracing precautionary precaustions, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Get in touch with us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.
