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 new viewpoint on these questions.
Envision this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, savoring the refreshing breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose dangers to your hearing?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s really loud. Researchers in the UK conducted 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.
Could this volume of noise present a hazard of causing long-term damage to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can result in permanent hearing loss.
Extended exposure to extremely loud noises, like those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors cause a rise in noise levels when windows are open?
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 produce noise as a result of the swift combustion process occurring within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of automobiles that use gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 4-cylinder engines might provide a quieter ride. Alternatively, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, adding substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. At only 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise rises to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Given that automobiles experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes adds to the total volume level. In addition to the noise 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.
Tips for reducing risks and promoting safe driving
If you enjoy driving with windows open, consider these steps to minimize hearing loss threats:
- Remember 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 normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is advisable to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- In order to protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about purchasing helmets that are especially made to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows up.
In conclusion, driving with windows down exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still taking pleasure in the thrill of driving with the windows down.
Get in touch with us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.