A U.S. study on the level of decibels convertible drivers have to endure shows that driving with the top down for an extended period of time could damage their hearing and even make them go deaf.
Researchers carried out volume tests on five vehicles, including the Porsche 911, Nissan 350Z and Saab Aero, and recorded noise levels in experiments at 55 and 75 mph (about 80 and 120 km/h).
They found out that drivers would be regularly exposed to noise higher than the recommended work safety level of 85db, even at the lower speed.
Cruising at the higher velocity meant drivers experienced 90db levels – the same volume as a police siren, a pneumatic drill just a metre away or the average nightclub. Meanwhile, decibels at 55 mph are equivalent to the noise at a construction site.
The study also reveals that higher noise 'spikes' were noted when convertibles passed large vehicles like freight trucks. Other tests highlighted how drivers risked their hearing by turning up their radios while motoring with the top down.
Dr Anthony Mikulec of the Saint Louis University School of Medicine said: ''In light of the results, we are recommending that drivers be advised to drive with the top closed when travelling for extended periods at speeds exceeding 85.3 km/h (52 mph).''
No participants in the study suffered a hearing loss, though, as they had been strongly advised to wear earplugs.
Source: Daily Mail
Researchers carried out volume tests on five vehicles, including the Porsche 911, Nissan 350Z and Saab Aero, and recorded noise levels in experiments at 55 and 75 mph (about 80 and 120 km/h).
They found out that drivers would be regularly exposed to noise higher than the recommended work safety level of 85db, even at the lower speed.
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| Photo: Lacey Elliott/Auto123.com |
Cruising at the higher velocity meant drivers experienced 90db levels – the same volume as a police siren, a pneumatic drill just a metre away or the average nightclub. Meanwhile, decibels at 55 mph are equivalent to the noise at a construction site.
The study also reveals that higher noise 'spikes' were noted when convertibles passed large vehicles like freight trucks. Other tests highlighted how drivers risked their hearing by turning up their radios while motoring with the top down.
Dr Anthony Mikulec of the Saint Louis University School of Medicine said: ''In light of the results, we are recommending that drivers be advised to drive with the top closed when travelling for extended periods at speeds exceeding 85.3 km/h (52 mph).''
No participants in the study suffered a hearing loss, though, as they had been strongly advised to wear earplugs.
Source: Daily Mail