07 Oct 09 13:38
Roof-down can be noisy
Driving roof-down can be harmful to your hearing, American surgeons have claimed.
Their research shows that at speeds of 50-70mph, the noise generated can reach 99 decibels - not far off the 110 decibels generated by road drilling.
At this level of noise long or repeated exposure could cause permanent hearing loss.
The study, published in the journal Otolaryngology, measured noise levels while travelling at 50, 60 and 70mph in a range of different convertibles cars and found the noise reached between 88 and 99 decibels.
The doctors recommend winding up the windows or wearing basic ear protection, such as earplugs, to lesson the risk of serious hearing damage when driving roof down.
