Just 15 minutes of driving with windows down can harm your hearing

Key takeaways

• Experts say 15 minutes of driving at 70mph with windows down can be harmful to ear health.

• Noise levels can exceed that of power tools, and just below concerts and nightclubs.

• Drivers warned to close windows in vehicles when driving above 50 mph.

According to Darren Horne, Audiological Support Manager at Boots Hearingcare, when you’re driving with the window down at 70 miles per hour, wind noise inside the car can reach 90-100 decibels (dB), a level comparable to that of a power drill or attending a concert.

The findings offer a timely reminder for millions of drivers about the importance of hearing health, especially those who, in the upcoming months, will be opening their windows more frequently to circulate cool air.

15 minutes of driving at levels of 100 dB can be harmful to someone's ears

Speaking with MoneySuperMarket, Darren Horne explains that many drivers may not realise just how loud it can get when driving with windows down.

He notes that at 70mph speeds, wind noises inside the car can reach 90-100 dB, and on a motorway can even exceed 100 dB.

Audiologist Darren Horne says: “Prolonged or repeated exposure can start being harmful to hearing. Even just 15 minutes of driving at levels of 100 dB can be very harmful to someone’s ears.”

For context, wind noises at 70 mph can match or exceed the noise of power tools, such as drills and saws, and be just below noise levels of being at a concert or nightclub.

Average Decibel Levels of Common Activities

Expert warns of less obvious driving risk… ‘listening fatigue’

The consequences of driving with the windows open at speed are not limited to hearing health alone; there are other less obvious risks.

Audiologist Darren Horne warns drivers: “At high noise levels, your ears and brain are constantly working harder just to pick up conversations, the radio and even external noises like car horns and sirens. That extra effort can lead to listening fatigue.”

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on UK roads, and noise is a distraction that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Car horns, sirens and other vehicle noises are all critical signals that drivers rely on for guidance, sometimes without even realising. 

Protecting your hearing is something every driver can take active steps towards, with small changes like paying attention to radio volume and closing windows above 50mph speeds all making a difference.

Alicia Hempsted
Insurance Expert

Don't delay getting a check-up

If you are noticing signs of hearing loss, it is important to speak to your doctor or a hearing professional sooner rather than later. It is also worth being aware of your license obligations.

Drivers who hold a group 2 license, required for heavier vehicles like lorries and buses, face higher medical standards to be considered fit to drive and must disclose hearing conditions to the DVLA, or face fines of up to £1,000 ¹.

Most van drivers will be holding a standard group 1 license, and are not required to make the same disclosure, but it is always worth seeking guidance if you have any concerns about your fitness to drive.

With summer approaching, many drivers will be increasingly driving with their windows down to circulate air. However, according to the audiologist, drivers should reconsider if they are driving at speeds over 50mph, as this is when noise in the car starts to rise quickly.  

Drivers are advised to close their windows when driving at speeds above 50mph

Expert tips on protecting your hearing whilst driving

• Keep windows closed when driving at high speeds, especially on the motorway.

• Opening the windows partially instead of fully open can better protect your hearing, as it typically creates less direct wind turbulence and offers lower overall noise levels.

• Where possible, use the vehicle's air conditioning to circulate air instead of opening windows, especially when at higher speeds.

• Keep music levels down, especially if the road noise is already proving loud.

• Where possible, reduce time spent driving in noisy conditions, for example this could be taking A-roads instead of a long motorway stretch if you already struggle with hearing.

_Sources

^{1. DVLA guidance can be found here}

^{About Darren Horne:
Darren Horne, Audiological Support Manager at Boots Hearingcare, has worked in private audiology for over 20 years. Ranging from working in a clinic type environment to heading up customer care and professional standards functions. Previously trained and currently in an operations role within audiology at Boots Hearingcare.}