Can driving with open windows cause irreversible harm to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.

Imagine this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches out before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it excessive to run the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? After all, why waste 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

Think it’s not 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.

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 pose a danger of irreversible hearing damage?

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

Extended exposure to extremely loud noises, such as those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.

What contributes to increased noise with open windows?

Various elements can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle might already seem noisy.

Engine and automobile types

The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise because of the swift combustion process taking place within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. A somewhat quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Conversely, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can generate more than 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.

Wind resistance

The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can substantially add to the total noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have demonstrated that cyclists encounter around 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, especially since cars encounter increased wind resistance.

Increased traffic leads to louder noise

Each passing vehicle, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further increasing overall noise levels.

How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving strategies

Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these guidelines.

• Take breaks during long drives, varying between windows up and down.
• For convertible drivers, shutting the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer levels.
• Utilize smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
• Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
• To safeguard your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
• When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are especially made to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
• Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.

Essentially, cruising with the windows open can subject you to a variety of potentially damaging sounds, including the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a threat 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.

Call us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.