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Noise exposure in convertible automobiles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 November 2010

A A Mikulec ,
S B Lukens ,
L E Jackson  and
M N Deyoung
A A Mikulec*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, St Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri, USA
S B Lukens
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, St Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri, USA
L E Jackson
Affiliation:
The Ear Institute of Texas, San Antonio, Texas, USA
M N Deyoung
Affiliation:
The Ear Institute of Texas, San Antonio, Texas, USA
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Anthony A Mikulec, Department of Otolaryngology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 3635 Vista, St Louis, MO 63110, USA E-mail: mikuleca@slu.edu
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Abstract

Objective:

To quantify the noise exposure received while driving a convertible automobile with the top open, compared with the top closed.

Methods:

Five different convertible automobiles were driven, with the top both closed and open, and noise levels measured. The cars were tested at speeds of 88.5, 104.6 and 120.7 km/h.

Results:

When driving with the convertible top open, the mean noise exposure ranged from 85.3 dB at 88.5 km/h to 89.9 dB at 120.7 km/h. At the tested speeds, noise exposure increased by an average of 12.4–14.6 dB after opening the convertible top.

Conclusion:

Driving convertible automobiles at speeds exceeding 88.5 km/h, with the top open, may result in noise exposure levels exceeding recommended limits, especially when driving with the convertible top open for prolonged periods.

Keywords

Hearing LossNoise-InducedAutomobileNoise
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 125 , Issue 2 , February 2011 , pp. 121 - 125
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2010

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