How the Open Road Can Harm Your Hearing

Posted by Better Hearing Center on June 01, 2012

There’s nothing better on a nice day than opening the car windows or putting down the top on a convertible. However precautions should be taken to avoid harming your hearing while enjoying the wind in your hair on the open road. According to a Better Hearing Institute online article, recent tests were conducted for driving different types of convertibles at highway speeds as it relates to potential harm to hearing. The finding indicated that 80 percent of the cars produced noise exposure of 85 decibels, a level harmful to hearing if sustained for a lengthy period of time.

Additionally this sound level could be greatly amplified to much more severe levels when other external noise sources existed such as noises from close car and motorcycle traffic. The 85 decibel noise measurement didn't include sounds produced within the car interior like the radio and air conditioning. Since these external and internal sounds are usually prevalent to some degree, the noise exposure threat is usually much higher than the already harmful 85 decibels.

We're not suggesting avoiding a convertible ride on a nice day, we do agree with the article’s recommendation to avoid driving for long stretches with your convertible top or windows down, especially at highway speeds. By following these simple suggestions, one may be able to prevent exposure to harmful sounds and avoid noise induced hearing loss difficulties in the future. If you have any further questions regarding this topic feel free to submit your information and questions on our Contact Us page.