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The Effect of Noise Exposure on Cognitive Performance and Brain Activity Patterns
Mohammad Javad Jafari1,2, Reza Khosrowabadi3, Soheila Khodakarim4
1Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, School Of Public Health And Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences
|December 18, 2019
Summary
High noise levels significantly impair cognitive performance and attention. Brain signal analysis, specifically changes in Alpha and Beta brainwaves, provides objective measures of noise impact on cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Qualitative assessments of subjective reactions are insufficient for evaluating noise's impact on cognitive performance.
- Objective, quantitative measures are needed to accurately assess cognitive function under noise exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of varying noise levels on cognitive performance using quantitative indicators.
- To analyze electroencephalogram (EEG) signals for objective assessment of mental workload and attention.
Main Methods:
- 54 young participants underwent cognitive testing (IVA test) under different noise conditions (background, 75, 85, 95 dBA).
- EEG signals were recorded to estimate the relative power of brain frequency bands (Alpha, Beta).
- Mental workload and attention were evaluated through EEG analysis and performance metrics.
Main Results:
- Cognitive performance, including mental workload and attention, significantly decreased at 95 dBA noise levels (P < 0.05).
- Increased noise levels correlated with higher relative Alpha band power and lower relative Beta band power.
- Distinct changes in Alpha and Beta band power were observed in the occipital and frontal brain regions, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Brain signal analysis (EEG) and power spectral density are recommended for assessing cognitive performance during noise exposure.
- Further research is needed on psychoacoustic parameters like tonality and pitch at extended exposure levels.
