Cruising With The Top Down May Lead To Hearing Loss

October 7, 2009 8:38 a.m. EST

San Diego, CA (AHN) - Drivers of convertibles may be at an increased risk of developing hearing loss, according to research presented at a San Diego, Calif. health conference.

The researchers said that driving with the top down at speeds of 50, 60 and 70 miles per hour exposes drivers to noise levels as high as 99 decibels.

Repeated exposure to levels above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss, the researchers said at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO.

The researchers said that a good way to reduce noise levels is to keep the windows rolled up, even if the top is down.