Can driving with open windows cause irreversible harm to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows while driving? Here’s a fresh perspective on these questions.
Picture this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, almost free of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it excessive to run the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? What’s the point of wasting valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially harmful to your ears?
What are the potential risks connected to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not that loud? Researchers in the UK carried out experiments with various 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 risk of permanent hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause permanent harm to one’s hearing.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors contribute increased noise with open windows?
Numerous aspects can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle might already seem loud.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, representing roughly 80% of gas-powered vehicles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might offer a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, especially when driving 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 relatively quiet cars. At just 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise increases to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Given that cars experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows down can indeed impact your hearing.
Increased traffic leads to louder noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the total noise level. In addition to the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other vehicles passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
How to minimize risks and ensure safe driving strategies
If you enjoy driving with windows open, consider these measures to reduce hearing loss threats:
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, shutting 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 situations (avoid utilizing 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 up when driving in heavy traffic.
- In order to protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically made to decrease the impact of traffic noise.
- It’s essential to keep a close eye on your hearing health, especially if you frequently drive with the windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can subject you to a range of potentially damaging sounds, including the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a threat to your auditory well-being.
Taking steps to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the pleasure of driving with the windows down.
Get in touch with us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.