Say What? Convertibles Harm Hearing

Tearing down the road in a convertible with the wind whipping at your ears exacts the same kind of hearing damage as listening to a pile driver, scientists warn. Noise from the engine, road, traffic and wind can be as high as 90 decibels at speeds of 50 mph and higher, reports the BBC. Permanent hearing damage becomes a risk at 85 decibels. Drivers should consider wearing ear protection or simply roll up a window, which significantly reduces noise even with the top down, say scientists.

"Regular exposure to noise levels of 88 to 90 decibels when driving a convertible for several hours a day can lead to permanent hearing loss," warned a researcher.
(More cars stories.)