Is driving with the windows open detrimental to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Let’s take a fresh look at these concerns.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost deserted, you travel along at a comfortable 55 MPH, savoring the cool breeze through your open 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 the research says about driving with open windows
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, 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 present a danger of irreversible hearing damage?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can result in permanent hearing loss.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors cause a surge in volume levels when windows are down?
While your car might seem noisy, a number of factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process taking place inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of automobiles that run on gasoline. A somewhat quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Alternatively, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can generate more than 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can significantly add to the total noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. Studies have demonstrated that cyclists encounter around 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that cars experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows down can certainly impact your hearing.
Increased traffic leads to louder noise
Each passing car, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. In addition to the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air created by other cars passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
Tips for minimizing risks and ensuring safe driving
Reduce the threat 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 levels.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in regular traffic situations (avoid using them when operating a vehicle).
- To prevent being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is advisable to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about obtaining helmets that are especially made to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
In conclusion, driving with windows open exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
By adopting preventative measures, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Call us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.