Can driving with open windows lead to irreversible damage 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 issues.
Imagine this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the refreshing breeze through your open windows. On such a picturesque 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 says about driving with open windows
Think it’s not that loud? British researchers carried out trials using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was less 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 pose a risk of irreversible hearing damage?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can lead to irreversible hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, such as those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What contributes to increased noise with open windows?
While your vehicle might seem loud, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise because of the swift combustion process occurring within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of automobiles that run on gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines may provide a quieter ride. Alternatively, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can dramatically add to the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have shown that bicyclists encounter around 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open 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 freeways, contributes to noise amplification. In addition to the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other cars passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Decrease the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these measures.
- Take breaks during long drives, alternating between windows open and closed.
- One way for owners of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to put up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Utilize smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize prolonged exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- In order to protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
- It’s essential to keep a close watch on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows open.
In summary, driving with windows open subjects you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows down.
Contact us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.