Can driving with open windows lead to permanent harm to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a fresh perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches out 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 excessive to run the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down present dangers to your hearing?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not that loud? British scientists conducted tests 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 level of noise create a hazard of triggering long-term harm to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely result in irreversible damage to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors create a surge in volume levels when windows are down?
While your vehicle might seem noisy, several factors can increase the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise as a result of the swift combustion process taking place inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of automobiles that run on gasoline. A slightly quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, particularly when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable whistling and whooshing sounds, adding substantially to the total ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have shown that cyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that cars experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes increases the overall volume level. Along with the noise 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.
Tips for decreasing risks and ensuring safe driving
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these measures.
- Take breaks during long drives, alternating between windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer levels.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in normal traffic conditions (steer clear of utilizing them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- To safeguard your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about purchasing helmets that are specifically made to reduce the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.
In conclusion, driving with windows down subjects you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still taking pleasure in the thrill of driving with the windows open.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.