Is driving with the windows open harmful to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Let’s take a new look at these concerns.
Imagine this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you travel along at a relaxed 55 MPH, savoring the cool breeze through your open windows. On such a beautiful day, using the car’s air conditioner seems excessive, doesn’t it? After all, why waste precious gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose risks to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
Think it’s not very loud? British scientists carried out trials using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was minimal traffic, traveling 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 cause irreversible damage to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors create a rise in noise levels when windows are open?
Various aspects can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle might already seem noisy.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process occurring within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 4-cylinder engines may provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, particularly when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can dramatically add to the total noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have revealed that cyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Heavier traffic leads to louder sounds
Each passing vehicle, even on multi-lane freeways, adds to noise amplification. In addition to the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other cars passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
Tips for minimizing risks and ensuring safe driving
If you like driving with windows down, think about these measures to minimize hearing loss risks:
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the 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 cell phone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- To prevent being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is advisable to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- In order to safeguard your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets developed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
In summary, driving with windows open subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still taking pleasure in the thrill of driving with the windows down.
Call us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.