Is driving with the windows open detrimental to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows while driving? Here’s a new viewpoint on these questions.

Imagine this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches out before you, nearly free of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?

But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose risks to your hearing?

What are the potential hazards connected to open window driving, according to research?

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

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 present a danger of triggering lasting damage to one’s hearing?

Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can lead to permanent hearing loss.

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

What contributes to escalated noise with open windows?

While your car might seem loud, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.

Engine and automobile types

The majority of gas engines produce around 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid explosions in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered automobiles. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.

Resistance to Wind

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

Increased traffic leads to louder noise

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

How to minimize risks and ensure safe driving practices

If you enjoy driving with windows down, consider these steps 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 drivers of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to roll up the windows while leaving the roof open.
• Utilize cell phone apps to monitor noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
• Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
• Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
• When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about obtaining helmets that are specifically designed to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
• Regularly track your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been habitually driving with windows open.

Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can expose you to a range of potentially damaging sounds, such as the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a risk to your auditory health.

Taking steps to protect your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the pleasure of driving with the windows down.

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