Give us a call
Talk to a friendly
member of staff.
Single-Car Insurance
0844 543 4416MultiCar Insurance
0844 848 4316
Talk to a friendly
member of staff.
Single-Car Insurance
0844 543 4416MultiCar Insurance
0844 848 4316
 |
|
Search our archive of Motoring news.
Search our archive of Motoring
news by date.
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
You can subscribe to receive the latest motoring news from Admiral with RSS.
 |
 |
|
07/10/2009
Driving a convertible car with the roof down can lead to hearing damage, a study in the US has found.
The research, in which noise levels were recorded in several cars travelling at a range of speeds, revealed that drivers were consistently exposed to noise above the 80-decibel (dB) threshold at which hearing damage can occur.
In a summary of the study, published in the American journal Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the researchers note that they found minimal difference between noise levels at speeds of 50, 60 and 70mph. In the worst case they recorded a noise level of 99dB - broadly equivalent to a tube train passing three metres away.
Presenting their findings to a conference of head and neck specialists, the study's authors suggested that convertible-owners follow the example of motorcyclists and use ear protection.
They also stressed that leaving the side windows raised could cut noise levels to 82dB, even when the top was down.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Mark Downs of the Royal National Institute for Deaf People told BBC News: "Noise-induced hearing loss is frequently preventable.
"By winding up the windows or wearing basic ear protection, such as earplugs, drivers of convertibles can still enjoy driving whilst protecting their hearing."
© 2011 Admiral | Sitemap | Admiral insurance news stories
