Can driving with open windows cause irreversible harm to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a new 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, nearly free 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 picturesque day, running the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? What’s the point of squandering valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose risks to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
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.
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 permanent hearing damage?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can result in permanent hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, like those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors create a surge in volume levels when windows are open?
Numerous elements can boost the noise levels even while your vehicle may already seem loud.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gas engines produce around 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for approximately 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A slightly quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Conversely, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can generate more than 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, adding significantly to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. At only 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. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Heavier traffic results in louder sounds
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes adds to the overall volume level. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further increasing total noise levels.
Tips for reducing risks and ensuring safe driving
If you enjoy driving with windows open, think about these measures to reduce hearing loss threats:
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer volumes.
- Use 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 surpassing 100 decibels.
- In order to safeguard your hearing, avoid blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about obtaining helmets that are especially designed to reduce the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually 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 precautionary precaustions, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.