Actor Pierce Brosnan didn't know the risk he really ran as James Bond when driving the spy's convertible BMW ZR in GoldenEye.
He may have stayed ahead of the villains but at some cost to his hearing, claim experts.
Those who get on the open road in an open top could be risking serious damage to their hearing from road and wind noise.
Driving a convertible can expose you to noise levels on a par with construction sites, says a new study.
Levels as high as 100 decibels were recorded, with consistent readings of 88 and 99 Db, at around 70mph on British roads.
Road surface, traffic congestion, wind noise and driving speed all contributed to the cacophony.
The cars tested ranged from a Toyota MRZ selling at £14,000 to a Bentley Continental at £150,000.
Long or repeated exposure to sounds over 85Db is widely recognised to raise the risk of permanent hearing loss.
Surgeon Philip Michael, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Worcestershire Royal Infirmary, who carried
He said 'These noise levels, over a period of time and given repeated exposure, have the potential to cause hearing loss.
'The more you do, the more chance you have of developing permanent problems. It's a cumulative risk.'
Mr Michael, who presented his findings yesterday at the American Academy of Otolaryngology - head and Neck Surgery Foundation annual meeting in San Diego, said the issue was more pertinent here than people might imagine.
Changes in UK leasing rules that made convertibles more available to the company car market has led to a rise in sales in recent years.
He said 'The UK has the highest per capita ownership of convertible automobiles in Europe, even though Snowdonia has some of the wettest weather.
'People get advice about protecting their hearing in occupational settings, but need to know about the effect of excessive noise levels in everyday life.
'Short periods of exposure at levels similar to a disco or pop concert may cause buzzing in the ears and temporary hearing problems.
'But there's a case for hearing protection with repeated exposure and readings in the study got up to 99 decibels, which is equivalent to a pneumatic hammer drill.'
Mr Michael, a convertible enthusiast who used his own Audi A4 Cabriolet in the study, recorded noise levels on sound level meter equipment while sitting in the passenger seat of seven vehicles in road tests.
The decibel levels reached those familiar to long-distance lorry drivers, who have a higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
However, most motorcyclists are frequently exposed to levels of 90Db and above, with many choosing to wear ear protection, said Mr Michael.
His study found there is one way for convertible owners and even James Bond to keep their hearing intact at top speed.
'The simple act of keeping the car windows raised significantly cut noise levels to an acceptable 85 decibels, even with the top down' he said.
'But it may not end up as the driving experience which attracts people to convertibles in the first place' he admitted.
- By Jenny Hope （Mail Online - Health）
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