Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
The Relationship between Personality Type and Acceptable Noise Levels: A Pilot Study.
Cliff Franklin1, Laura V Johnson2, Letitia White2
1University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Audiology and Speech Pathology UP600, 2801 S. University Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA ; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Audiology and Speech Pathology, 4301 W. Markham Street, No. 702, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA ; Missouri State University, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Professional Building, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65897, USA.
This study found that personality traits influence acceptable noise levels (ANL). Openness correlated with lower ANLs and better hearing aid candidacy, while conscientiousness correlated with higher ANLs and potential hearing aid rejection.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Psychology
- Psychoacoustics
Background:
- Acceptable noise level (ANL) is crucial for speech intelligibility and hearing aid effectiveness.
- Understanding factors influencing ANL can optimize hearing rehabilitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between acceptable noise level (ANL) and personality traits.
- To determine if personality dimensions predict hearing aid candidacy based on ANL.
Main Methods:
- Forty young adults with normal hearing were recruited.
- Acceptable noise levels (ANLs) were measured using standardized procedures.
- Participants completed the Big Five Inventory and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality assessments.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was observed between ANL and the 'openness' and 'conscientiousness' dimensions of the Big Five Inventory.
- No significant correlations were found between ANL and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality types.
- Lower ANLs were associated with higher openness, while higher ANLs were associated with higher conscientiousness.
Conclusions:
- Personality traits, specifically openness and conscientiousness, are linked to acceptable noise levels.
- Individuals with higher openness may tolerate more background noise, suggesting better hearing aid candidacy.
- Individuals with higher conscientiousness may tolerate less noise, potentially impacting hearing aid acceptance and use.
Related Concept Videos
Personality Theory by Eysenck and Eysenck
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as...
Factors Influencing Attraction VI: Personality Traits
Implicit Personality Theories
Five-Factor Theory of Personality
Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent...
Self-Report Tests of Personality

