Can driving with open windows cause irreversible damage to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Let’s take a new look at these issues.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the highway almost empty, you cruise along at a comfortable 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? What’s the point of wasting valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose dangers to your hearing?
What are the potential risks connected to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not very loud? British scientists carried out trials using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was minimal traffic, traveling at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour.
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 triggering long-term damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause permanent damage to one’s hearing.
Extended exposure to very loud noises, such as those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors cause a surge in volume levels when windows are down?
While your car may seem loud, a number of 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 happening inside of 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. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, especially when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can dramatically add to the total noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have revealed that bicyclists encounter around 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, rising 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
Each passing vehicle, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further boosting overall noise levels.
Tips for decreasing risks and ensuring safe driving
Reduce the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these measures.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to put up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in typical traffic situations (steer clear of utilizing them when operating a vehicle).
- To prevent being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is advisable to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
In conclusion, driving with windows open exposes you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
By embracing preventative precaustions, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.