Is driving with the windows open detrimental to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a new viewpoint on these questions.

Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches before you, almost free of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? What’s the point of squandering valuable gas?

But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?

What the research indicates about driving with open windows

You don’t think it’s really loud. Researchers in the UK performed experiments with numerous vehicles, from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during non-peak hours at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 MPH.

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.

Does this noise level present a danger of permanent hearing damage?

Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can result in permanent hearing loss.

Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, such as those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.

What factors create a surge in volume levels when windows are open?

While your car may seem noisy, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.

A guide to engines and vehicle styles

The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process occurring inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of automobiles that run on gasoline. A slightly quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Conversely, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.

Resistance to Wind

Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable whistling and whooshing noises, contributing significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. Studies have demonstrated that cyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, particularly since cars face increased wind resistance.

Heavier traffic results in louder sounds

Every car that drives by in multiple lanes increases the overall volume level. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing total noise levels.

Tips for decreasing risks and promoting safe driving

If you like driving with windows down, think about these measures to reduce hearing loss risks:

• Take breaks during long drives, varying between windows up and down.
• For convertible drivers, shutting the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer levels.
• Utilize cell phone apps to keep track of noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
• To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is recommended to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
• To protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
• If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
• Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.

In summary, driving with windows open exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.

By adopting precautionary measures, 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.