Can driving with open windows cause irreversible harm to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a fresh viewpoint on these questions.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the highway almost empty, you cruise along at a comfortable 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. On such a beautiful day, running the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially harmful to your ears?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
Think it’s not very loud? British scientists conducted trials using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was minimal 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.
Could this level of noise present a hazard of causing long-term damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely cause permanent damage to one’s hearing.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors cause a rise in volume levels when windows are down?
While your car might seem loud, several factors can increase the decibel levels.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid explosions in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered vehicles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can dramatically increase the total noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. Studies have revealed that bicyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows open can certainly impact your hearing.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the total noise level. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further increasing overall noise levels.
Tips for decreasing risks and ensuring safe driving
If you like driving with windows open, think about these steps to decrease hearing loss threats:
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to roll up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use cell phone apps to monitor noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize prolonged exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically made to reduce the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
In summary, driving with windows down subjects you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still taking pleasure in the pleasure of driving with the windows open.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.