Driving gives you freedom, whether it’s your daily commute or a weekend trip down the coast. But time on the road also means time around noise from engines, tires, wind, traffic and your own sound system. Over months and years, that exposure can affect your hearing. At Hear SF on Geary Boulevard in San Francisco, owner and hearing aid dispenser Michael Martinez, NB-HIS, and our team want drivers to know how road noise adds up and how to protect their ears.
How Loud Is It Inside a Car?
With the windows up, most modern cars are fairly quiet, even on the highway. Noise rises quickly when windows are down, the top is off a convertible or the music is turned up. Motorcycles can be especially loud at highway speeds, mostly because of wind rushing past the helmet.
Health experts generally consider long or repeated exposure to sound above 85 decibels a risk for permanent hearing damage. The louder the sound, the less time it takes.
Common Sources of Road Noise
- Wind noise: Open windows, sunroofs and convertible tops let in loud, rushing air.
- Music: Turning up the volume to hear over road noise is one of the biggest risks.
- Traffic and road surface: Trucks, sirens, horns and rough pavement all add to the noise.
- Motorcycles: Riders face engine and wind noise for the entire trip.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Hearing While Driving
- Keep the windows up on the highway and use air conditioning instead.
- Keep music at a level where you can easily talk to a passenger.
- Take breaks on long drives to give your ears a rest.
- If you ride a motorcycle, ask about hearing protection made for riders, and follow California’s rules for using it on the road.
- Pay attention to warning signs like ringing ears or muffled hearing after a drive.
Check Your Hearing at Hear SF
If you spend a lot of time on the road and notice changes in your hearing, a hearing test is a smart step. Call or text Hear SF at 415-319-7301 to schedule an appointment.