Noise has long been known to adversely affect human health.
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However, a new study by scientists at the Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden) shows that already even 40 decibels of road noise – a typical level of background noise in an office or kitchen – negatively affects cognitive functions. This was reported by the press service of the university.
Scientists conducted a laboratory study in which subjects took tests of concentration while under the influence of background road noise:
- they stared at a computer monitor, on which individual letters appeared in sequence, and were told to press a button for all letters except X;
- participants also filled out a form called the NASA Workload Index (NASA TLX), a globally used tool for measuring an individual’s subjective assessment of their workload on a task. Respondents assessed their load on six parameters: mental load, physical load, time pressure, effort, performance, and degree of frustration.
The study found that participants performed significantly worse on a performance test and also felt that the task was more difficult to complete in the presence of road noise, the article notes.
The background noise during the experiment consisted of two sound sequences simulating trucks passing at a distance of 10 and 50 m. Both sequences were normalized to the same overall indoor level of 40 dB.
The sound sequence, which simulated closer driveways, where the sound changes significantly as the vehicle passes by, was typically the one that bothered the subjects the most, the researchers note. – This may be due to the fact that passing traffic is perceived as a more constant hum.
Scientists note that low-frequency noise, which in cities is primarily generated by heavy traffic at low speeds, is difficult to fence off even with the help of well-insulated windows and buildings that meet all the norms and recommendations for soundproofing.
Calculations for different types of facades show that it is difficult to achieve an ideal sound environment in a room near roads with heavy traffic, the researchers note. “Reducing the speed is not a solution, because our calculations show that the noise level in the room can even increase at a lower speed.
Therefore, the most effective solution was to avoid densification of urban development in areas where traffic noise has too much impact on people’s health and well-being, the researchers add.
What sounds of nature affect human health?
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.