Is driving with the windows open detrimental to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a fresh viewpoint on these questions.
Picture this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost empty, you travel along at a comfortable 55 MPH, savoring the refreshing breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? What’s the point of squandering valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose dangers to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really loud. British scientists carried out tests using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was less traffic, driving 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 create a hazard of triggering lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can result in irreversible hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to extremely loud noises, like those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What contributes to increased noise with open windows?
While your car may seem noisy, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gas engines produce around 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered automobiles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines may offer a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, especially when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable whistling and whooshing noises, adding significantly to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have shown that bicyclists encounter around 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that automobiles experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows down can certainly impact your hearing.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes adds to the overall volume level. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further boosting total noise levels.
Tips for decreasing risks and ensuring safe driving
If you like driving with windows open, think about these measures to decrease hearing loss risks:
- 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 situations (avoid using them when operating a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- In order to safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.
In conclusion, driving with windows down subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
By adopting preventative precaustions, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Call us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.