Can driving with open windows cause permanent damage 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 is a tranquil morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost deserted, you cruise 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 unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste valuable gas?

But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open present dangers to your hearing?

What the research says about driving with open windows

Think it’s not that 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 volume of noise present a hazard of causing long-term damage to one’s hearing?

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

Extended exposure to extremely loud noises, such as those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in impairment in as little as 15 minutes.

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

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

A guide to engines and vehicle styles

Most gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid explosions in their cylinders, representing roughly 80% of gas-powered vehicles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 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, particularly when driving in lower gears.

Resistance to Wind

Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable whistling and whooshing sounds, contributing substantially to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. Studies have demonstrated that bicyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that automobiles experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.

Traffic amplifies noise

Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the overall volume level. In addition to the noise 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 decreasing risks and ensuring safe driving

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

• Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
• For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer levels.
• Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in regular traffic situations (avoid utilizing them when driving a vehicle).
• Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
• Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
• If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
• It’s important to keep a close watch on your hearing health, especially if you frequently drive with the windows up.

Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can expose you to a range of potentially damaging sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a risk to your auditory well-being.

Taking steps to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the pleasure of driving with the windows open.

Get in touch with us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.