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Convertibles 'damage hearing'

06/01/2011

Riding in a convertible car with the roof down could damage hearing, according to new research. Published in the Journal of Laryngology and Otology, the US study tested cars from Ford, Nissan, Porsche, Saab and Saturn. For the purposes of the study, 85 decibels (dB) was held as the level at which noise became "excessive", the same as the threshold judged to be permissible for US workplaces. It found that, even at 55mph, maximum noise levels in excess of 100dB could be recorded - potentially equivalent to listening to a personal music player at maximum volume. And at 75mph, the average volume was above the 85dB level for four of the five cars. In addition to the average levels of noise, "spikes" in excessive noise were particularly evident when driving next to other vehicles. Led by Dr Anthony Mikulec from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, the study concluded that this exposure can place drivers at increased risk of noise-induced hearing loss. It advised drivers to keep their roofs up at speeds over 53mph - or even use earplugs of noise-cancelling earphones, though it acknowledged this could impact upon the ability to hear other noise, such as emergency sirens. The study states: "Although driving for short distances under such levels of noise exposure is unlikely to cause a significant degree of noise-induced hearing loss, more frequent driving at high speeds with the convertible top open will increase the driver's risk of hearing damage." According to Transport and Environment, while engine noise predominates at speeds below 18mph, above this level tyre noise is the most audible. Meanwhile, despite not addressing this point in detail, the study highlighted that driving with the top down could lead drivers to turn up the volume of their car stereo systems - potentially further damaging hearing. Another study in 2009 similarly found that driving with the roof down can cause hearing damage.

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