Everyone enjoys driving down the open road with your car windows down or sliding the top off a convertible. It’s relaxing and refreshing.

However, precautions should be taken to avoid harming your hearing at the same time while enjoying the wind in your hair on the open road.

According to Better Hearing Institute, 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% of the cars produced noise exposure of 85 decibels, a level harmful to hearing if sustained for a lengthy period.

Additionally, this sound level could be greatly amplified to much more severe levels when other external noise sources existed, such as the noises from other cards or motorcycles on the road.

Additionally, 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.

While we don’t suggest not enjoying a convertible ride on a nice day, we do agree with the article’s recommendation to not drive for long stretches with your convertible 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.

At Arnold Hearing Centres in Kitchener, Guelph, Simcoe, and Waterloo, we not only specialize in ways to help you hear better, but we also offer unique, custom-fit solutions for ear protection. Click here to see our wide range of custom ear protection.

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Chris Arnold - Owner & HIS

Growing up in Kitchener, Ontario, Chris went to Durham and George Brown College. As the owner of Arnold Hearing Centres, he manages all locations, as well as handles all the marketing, reporting, meetings, and makes sure that both the staff and patients have a positive experience. Ultimately, there is a lot of pressure on Chris to ensure he delivers results year after year, but he credits the clinic’s success down to the amazing staff that has now become family. Truly, he enjoys working alongside everyone each day.