Convertibles May Make You Hard Of Hearing, Study Finds

(USATODAY) -- Convertible cars may be hard on your hearing.

That's the conclusion of a new study that was presented this week at a medical convention in San Diego.

The paper, Noise Exposure and Convertible Cars, found that based on tests of seven droptops, mean decibel levels ranged from 85 to 89 decibels at 50 miles per hour and 87 to 90 decibels at 70 mph. That's too high. Sustained levels of 85 decibels can result in hearing loss. The study suggests that convertible drivers and passengers wear ear plugs -- not exactly in keeping with ragtops' carefree, sexy image -- or keep the windows rolled up.

"Driving convertible cars with the roof and windows lowered presents a potential scenario towards causing hearing loss. However, although hearing protection devices may be worn, noise levels may be reduced below the criterion level (which was 85 decibels) by raising windows," concludes the study presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation annual meeting.

The study by Philip Michael and Michael C.F. Smith was conducted in the United Kingdom, which "has the highest per capital ownership of convertible automobiles in Europe," the study notes. We guess that's because England is known for its clear, sunny days (Not!).

At least one American convertible driver can relate to the study's findings:

USA TODAY celebrity reporter Kelley L. Carter, above, bought a gunmetal-gray 2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible when she moved from Chicago to Los Angeles last year, ready to try some California dreamin'. She's still dreamin', but it's with the top almost always up.

"I can't talk when the top is down on my car," she says. "Between the wind blowing and street noises and people blaring next to you. it just doesn't work," she says, adding she can count on the fingers of one hand how many times she has put the top down in the past year, even on the nicest days. Intrusion into her car zone-out is a two-way street, especially in heavy traffic or near crowded sidewalks.

"I feel everyone on Santa Monica Boulevard can hear the personal conversations I have in my car," Carter adds.