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COULD GOING TOPLESS MAKE YOU DEAF?
TA recent UK study tested a sample of convertible cars on British motorways, measuring ‘top down’ noise levels when driving at speeds of 50, 60 and 70 miles an hour. The research showed that drivers are regularly exposed to noise levels above 90 decibels, and as high as 99 decibels, depending on a combination of road noise, traffic congestion, wind, passing lorries and in-car-entertainment. The model of car being driven was shown to make no difference. Commenting on the research, Richard Moss said; "As a driver of a convertible car myself, I was keen to understand exactly what impact this might have on my own hearing." "To put these noise levels into perspective. The noise levels measured during this study were equivalent to being on a building construction site! (The normal sound level of conversation is approx 60 decibels, and an aircraft taking off is approx 130 to 150 decibels.)" "The UK has the highest per capita ownership of convertibles in Europe. People get advice about protecting their hearing in occupational settings but need to know about the effect of excessive noise levels in everyday life. Long or repeated exposure to sounds over 85 decibels is widely recognised to cause permanent, irreparable hearing loss, and this is a real problem that should not be ignored." "However, it is not all doom and gloom", says Richard. "Noise induced hearing loss is 100% preventable. You can protect your hearing and still look cool just by raising the windows, and simply reducing your speed. This will help to diffuse the level of noise the driver and passengers are exposed to. Or, if you really don’t want to spoil ‘the look’ then you could consider wearing hearing protection such as in-ear protectors. " "Most motorcyclists wear in-ear protectors, as they are constantly exposed to noise levels in excess of 90 decibels", commented Richard, "and obviously they wear a helmet which gives added protection. I’m not suggesting that convertible drivers should start wearing helmets, but just that they should consider how to protect their hearing." "The likelihood is that, for short trips around town you’re not going to do any damage, but if you’re one of those all-weather top down motorway drivers, it makes sense to take precautions to reduce the risk." "You may think this is just another one of those stories designed to spoil your fun, but damage to hearing happens gradually and the effects may not be realised until years later – when it is too late to do anything about it." If there are any convertible drivers in Oxford who have concerns about their hearing health, Richard urges you to get in touch. "We offer a 10 minute free hearing screening, which will identify whether there are any issues that need to be addressed. We like to know Oxford’s topless drivers are in the rudest of health!"
Oxford Hearing Centre www.oxfordhearingcentre.co.uk |
