Is driving with the windows down detrimental to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Let’s take a new look at these concerns.
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 a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. On such a beautiful day, running the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open present risks to your hearing?
What are the potential risks connected to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s really loud. Researchers in the UK carried out 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.
Could this level of noise create a danger of triggering lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can result in irreversible hearing loss.
Extended exposure to very loud noises, such as those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors cause a surge in noise levels when windows are down?
Various elements can increase the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise as a result of the swift combustion process taking place inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of vehicles that use gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 4-cylinder engines might provide a quieter ride. Conversely, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable whistling and whooshing noises, contributing significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. At only 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise rises to 120 dB, according to recent research. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars face increased wind resistance.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every passing car, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. Along with the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air created by other vehicles passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving practices
Reduce the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these measures.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible owners, closing the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer volumes.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in regular traffic conditions (steer clear of using them when driving a vehicle).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is recommended to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- In order to protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically made to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, particularly if you frequently drive with the windows open.
In conclusion, driving with windows open exposes you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
By adopting preventative precaustions, 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.
