Is driving with the windows open detrimental 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 is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the highway almost empty, you cruise along at a comfortable 55 MPH, savoring the refreshing breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to run the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? After all, why waste precious gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose risks to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
Think it’s not very loud? Researchers in the UK performed 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.
Does this noise level pose a danger of irreversible hearing damage?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can result in irreversible hearing loss.
Extended exposure to very loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What contributes to increased noise with open windows?
While your vehicle may seem loud, a number of factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise because of the swift combustion process occurring inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of automobiles that run on gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 4-cylinder engines might offer a quieter ride. Alternatively, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can produce more than 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable whistling and whooshing noises, adding significantly to the total 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 rises to 120 dB, according to recent studies. 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 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 contributes to a louder overall environment.
How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving practices
If you like driving with windows open, think about these measures to minimize hearing loss threats:
- Take breaks during long drives, alternating between windows open and closed.
- One way for owners of convertibles to minimize noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in regular traffic situations (steer clear of using them when operating a vehicle).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is recommended to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- To safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider purchasing helmets that are specifically designed to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close watch on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can subject you to a variety of potentially harmful sounds, such as the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a threat to your auditory health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows down.
Contact us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.
