Cruising with the top down? Cover your ears

Riding in a convertible with the windows down appears to expose people to noise levels that, over time, can damage hearing, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation in San Diego.

Dr. Philip Michael, a British ear, nose and throat surgeon who loves his own convertible, assessed noise levels in seven different cars traveling at speeds of 50, 60 and 70 miles per hour. He found drivers were consistently exposed to noise levels between 88 and 90 decibels. Previous research suggests that repeated exposure to noise over 85 decibels can result in hearing loss.

However, keeping the car windows up, even with the top down, reduced noise levels to 82 decibels. "A large component of the noise you are exposed to is wind noise," he said.

But the noise is generated from a variety of sources, Michael said, including from the engine, exhaust and tires and from other cars and trucks on the road. While Michael did not study noise from surrounding traffic, he suggests that driving slower may actually increase noise exposure.

"If there is a lot more traffic you can get exposed to more noise," he said. "If you're driving slower, you may be overtaken by trucks, which cause more noise and take longer to go around you."

More research should be done to test hearing before and after a drive, he said. Studies should also be conducted on noise exposure to people who drive enclosed cars with the windows down.

-- Shari Roan

Photo credit: BMW Group / Associated Press 

Comments

[Floyd MaCGillicuTTy]

Funny, I'm an audio engineer who has driven convertibles off and on for years. I just last month sold my Mini convertible because I felt that the wind buffeting was potentially damaging my hearing. Now this study comes out confirming those fears. Interesting timing!

[Taylor]

I always wear my music earplugs (not as powerful as foam, allows me to hear what is going on around me at a slightly lower level) when cruising with windows or top down - http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

[Jack Meoph]

Most people who ride motorcycles already know this. Once upon a time in the lame state of CA if was actually illegal to use earplugs (unless prescription form fitted) while riding a motorcycle, thus exposing the rider to high noise levels due to the wind. (you can't hear emergency vehicle sirens with earplugs in!!!! why yes, yes you can you morons) That law was changed thankfully, because reality triumphs over stupidity eventually, even in CA. I won't ride my motorcycle unless I have earplugs, and I won't drive my convertible at freeway speeds with the windows down. You can tell when the wind noise levels are too high, because you will feel uncomfortable. Listen to your body, roll up your windows, and save your hearing.

[Yogi Bear]

Since guys don't really care what the chicks in the passenger seat had to say anyway this is kinda of a bonus!

[focus puller]

"Officer, I was speeding to protect my hearing..."

[Chuck]

OSHA says 8 hour per day maximum exposure at 85 dB, 4 hours at 90 dB. In your car can be just ans damaging as in the workplace.

[Lance Hall]

I use foam earplugs when I drive my convertible on the freeway. Over time, I'm sure it will slow the rate of hearing loss.

[tomato]

If it is true, that means people who live next to the freeway may be exposed to hearing problem, if they regularly open the windows.
I am sorry..., I do not agree to this article.

[skinner]

Makes sense to me. I drove a number of soft top Jeeps when I was younger. I now have partial hearing loss in my left ear. Right ear is fine. I am sure all that wind rushing past my left ear at 70 mph had more than a little to do with it.

[Wolfy]

Just use a wind deflector in the back, then voila...silence! What kind of bone headed study is this that doesn't mention the wind deflector??? Typical 'academic' study paid by your taxpayer dollars.

[John]

Hey Wolfy - Your wind deflector comment would seem valid (at least from my experience).

But regarding your "taxpayer dollars" comment, I'm not so sure. Check out the website for the foundation: http://www.entnet.org/AboutUs/missionandhistory.cfm
It does not appear to involve the government in any way.

[MJ]

A rejection of science because a person doesn't like the findings coupled with a blanket "your tax dollars at work" attack on academia, huh?

Perhaps with more time in academia, you would have noted that the research was conducted by a British doctor, thus making it neither an "academic" study nor one funded by your tax dollars.

And living next to a freeway is a far cry from being ON the freeway moving at 70mph. Note the lower decibels with the windows up; the noise is from the wind. Get 10 feet from a freeway and the wind will be much less; never mind the sound attenuation with distance.

[brettstrodamus]

Say What?

[mike]

GREAT response, MJ. It never ceases to amaze me what conclusions people pull out of thin air (or elsewhere) in the face of stated facts.

[Wolfy]

Yeah well - tell me who pay for healthcare insurance that funds the HMO's that pay these doctors that have the money to start their private foundation that pays for this study... HUH??

fyi - one recent bona-fide Academic study says broccoli may be bad for you.

[Michele]

Okay... well then... who will be paying attention to the emergency vehicles in a life and death situation? in regards to earplugs, communications(whether by cell or audio) or just plain old paying attention to details and using your senses? Just a question that doesn't require an answer

[Fixed Gear]

Who puts their top down on the freeway anyway?? I keep my top down around town, UP on the freeway.

[Michael]

The fun police are at it again.

The fact that the manufacture of convertibles in the late 70's didn't stop them. They need to say now that owning a convertible will make you deaf. Rock music = bad. Classical music (at the same volume) = good.

I can't wait until we can get into the Star Trek transporters and get 'sent' places so I can keep my hearing intact.