Is driving with the windows open detrimental 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’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches before you, nearly free of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it unnecessary 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 open present dangers to your hearing?

What the research indicates about driving with open windows

Think it’s not very loud? British researchers carried out tests using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was less 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.

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

Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause irreversible harm to one’s hearing.

In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.

What factors contribute escalated noise with open windows?

Various elements can boost the noise levels even while your vehicle might already seem loud.

Engine and vehicle types

The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise because of the swift combustion process taking place within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of vehicles that use gasoline. A slightly quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when operating in lower gears.

Resistance to Wind

Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, adding significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. At only 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise increases to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Given that cars experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can certainly impact your hearing.

Traffic magnifies noise

Every car that goes by in multiple lanes adds to the total volume level. Along with the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air created by other cars passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.

How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving strategies

If you enjoy driving with windows down, consider these measures to reduce hearing loss risks:

• Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
• One way for owners of convertibles to minimize noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
• Use cell phone apps to monitor noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
• Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
• Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
• If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
• It’s essential to keep a close eye on your hearing health, particularly if you regularly drive with the windows open.

In summary, 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.

If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.