Can driving with open windows lead to irreversible damage to your hearing? Does it save money on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a new viewpoint on these questions.
Picture this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches before you, nearly empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to run the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose dangers to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really loud. Researchers in the UK conducted experiments with numerous 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.
Does this noise level pose a danger of permanent hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can result in irreversible damage to one’s hearing.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can occur within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors cause a surge in volume levels when windows are open?
While your vehicle might seem noisy, a number of factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process happening inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. A slightly quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Conversely, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can generate over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable hissing and whooshing sounds, contributing substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have revealed that cyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that cars experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows down can certainly impact your hearing.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every passing car, 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 created by other cars passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
How to minimize risks and ensure safe driving practices
If you enjoy driving with windows down, consider these steps to decrease hearing loss risks:
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer volumes.
- Utilize cell phone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are especially designed to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.
Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can expose you to a variety of potentially damaging sounds, including the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a risk to your auditory well-being.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows down.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.