Can driving with open windows lead to permanent damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows while driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these concerns.
Imagine this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches before you, nearly empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to run the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? What’s the point of wasting valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?
What the research says about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really loud. British researchers conducted trials using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was minimal traffic, driving 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 danger of triggering long-term harm to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause irreversible damage to one’s hearing.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can occur within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors contribute increased noise with open windows?
Various aspects can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle might already seem noisy.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gas engines generate about 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid explosions in their cylinders, representing roughly 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Conversely, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can generate more than 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable whistling and whooshing sounds, adding significantly to the overall ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. Studies have revealed that cyclists face around 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Heavier traffic leads to louder sounds
Every passing car, even on multi-lane freeways, adds to noise amplification. Along with the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air created by other cars passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
Tips for decreasing risks and ensuring safe driving
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these guidelines.
- Take breaks during long drives, alternating between windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to put up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in normal traffic conditions (avoid using them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- To protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider purchasing helmets that are specifically made to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close watch on your hearing health, particularly if you regularly drive with the windows open.
In summary, driving with windows down exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
By embracing precautionary measures, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.