In typical journalistic style, we’ve created a little ideal-world bubble and now it’s going to burst: according to a Motor Authority article, there’s a report out that says high-speed driving while in a convertible can be hazardous to your hearing.
A study from St. Louis University School of Medicine and the Ear Institute of Texas (that sounds like just the right authority, doesn’t it?) found that the turbulence, combined with road noise will seriously damage your hearing. Thankfully, this only happens if you’re driving at speeds over 55 mph or 88 km/h.
The study was carried out using five different convertible models, included a 2009 Saturn Sky 2.0 Turbo, 2004 Nissan 350Z, 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 4, 2005 Saab Aero Convertible, and 2005 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. Researchers found that when driving at speeds of 55 mph with the top down, 80 percent of the cars had a maximum sound level over 85 decibels. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health says that this is a dangerous level if exposure is lasting.
So if you want to enjoy the open top experience safely, just stay below 55 or put the top up. Motor Authority doesn’t recommend wearing earplugs, as this might seem like a good idea, but you risk not hearing sounds that are vital to safe motoring, like a car horn, other motorist in your blind spots or the sound of a police or ambulance siren.
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