How long can I have my car windows down when listening to music very loud?

2004 TOYOTA COROLLA
90,500 MILES
Avatar
AARONN
  • MEMBER
  • 125 POSTS
I am asking because I read if you have music over 100 decibels for more then 15 minutes it can give permanent hearing damage. With the wind noise, traffic noise, and my radio volume, I feel like my music is at or above 100 decibels when I listen extremely loud to music in my car. I got this information from an article on the internet and I am not so sure if it is true or not. This is the article: https://www.helpingmehear.com/hearing-loss-articles/drive-with-the-windows-open-your-hearing-may-be-at-risk/
Sep 13, 2021 at 4:27 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
SQM
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

Noise at a high level can permanent damage to hearing regardless of the source. Whether its from a stereo or in a noisy factory or at a concert.
You can listen to sounds at 70 dBa or lower without any issues. It really starts to get damaging when you pass the 85 dBa and over 100 dBa can damage much faster if listen to it for a long period of time. It's all about the length of exposure to the sound.

Hope this answers your question.
Thank you.

https://www.youtube.com/c/2carpros/featured
Sep 13, 2021 at 6:50 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.