Convertibles may be hazardous to hearing

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- People who drive in convertibles at 55 mph with the top down are at risk of damaging their hearing because of the noise levels, U.S. researchers suggest.

Study leader Dr. Anthony Mikulec of the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and colleagues used a Porsche, a Saab, a Nissan and a Ford and recorded the noise levels at 55 mph to be 85dB -- the equivalent to a construction site. At 75 mph it was measured at100 dB -- the equivalent of a jet plane passing over head or a nightclub, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Exposure to noise levels above 85dB for prolonged periods is considered damaging to hearing, Mikel says.

"Although driving for short distances under such levels of noise exposure is unlikely to cause a significant degree of noise-induced hearing loss, our study demonstrates that long duration driving at high speeds with the convertible top open will increase the driver's risk of hearing damage," Mikel told The Telegraph. "We are recommending that drivers be advised to drive with the top closed (down) when travelling for extended periods of time at speeds exceeding 52 mph."

The findings are published in the Journal of Laryngeal and Ontology.