Driving in a convertible increases risk of hearing loss

From the New York Times: At speeds greater than 55 miles per hour, driving in a convertible with its top down produces sufficient noise to increase the risk of hearing loss, a study has found. Occupants are advised to raise the roof — however many style points that may cost them.

That is the conclusion of a joint study conducted by researchers from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine’s department of otolaryngology and the Ear Institute of Texas. The team’s findings were recently published in England’s Journal of Laryngology & Otology.

In one of the most self-sacrificing medical experiments in memory, the wind-blown researchers logged seat time in the following vehicles:

• 2009 Saturn Sky Red Line

• 2004 Nissan 350Z

• 2001 Porsche 911 C4

•2005 Saab Aero Convertible

• 2005 Ford Mustang GT

The tops were down and windows open while measurements were taken at 55, 65 and 75 m.p.h.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health defines 85 decibels as “excessive noise exposure,” so the researchers used that figure as a benchmark. The agency also defines “normal conversation” occurring at about 60 dB, a lawnmower at 90 dB and a chainsaw at 110 dB.

Researchers found it easy to hit 85 dB in a top-down convertible.

“When the convertible cars were driven with the top open, high levels of noise were consistently recorded,” the study said.

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