ED Noise: Mental Activation or Mental Stress?
This study showed no difference in cognitive performance in a quiet compared with noisy environment. Participants, however, performed most tasks faster during noise exposure, most likely due to the arousal effect of noise. While it is reassuring that performance is maintained at 85 dB(A), deterioration in functionality might be seen with higher levels of noise and/or longer exposure. Despite the lack of performance degradation, 65% of participants found noise to be distracting with 88% of participants reporting significant degrees of distress.
Conclusions
This study showed no difference in cognitive performance in a quiet compared with noisy environment. Participants, however, performed most tasks faster during noise exposure, most likely due to the arousal effect of noise. While it is reassuring that performance is maintained at 85 dB(A), deterioration in functionality might be seen with higher levels of noise and/or longer exposure. Despite the lack of performance degradation, 65% of participants found noise to be distracting with 88% of participants reporting significant degrees of distress.