Can driving with open windows cause permanent damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows while driving? Here’s a new perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches before you, nearly free of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. On such a picturesque day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste precious gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose risks to your hearing?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not that loud? British researchers 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.
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.
Could this level of noise present a danger of causing long-term harm to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely result in permanent damage to one’s hearing.
Prolonged exposure to extremely loud noises, such as 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?
Numerous elements can increase the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gas engines generate about 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid combustion 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. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable whistling and whooshing sounds, adding significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. Studies have revealed that cyclists face around 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that cars experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows down can indeed impact your hearing.
Increased traffic leads to louder sounds
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes increases the total volume level. Along with the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air created by other vehicles passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving strategies
If you like driving with windows open, consider these steps to decrease hearing loss risks:
- Take breaks when you are on 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 keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in normal traffic situations (avoid utilizing them when operating a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- In order to safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically designed to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
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 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 get in touch with us today.