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Cognitive functions of individuals with reported low-frequency noise perceptions
Kristina H Erdélyi1, Janneke Koerts1, Lara Tucha2
1Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Applied Neuropsychology. Adult
|November 21, 2025
Summary
Individuals reporting Low-Frequency Noise (LFN) showed minor attention deficits compared to those without LFN perception. The study found no significant impact on memory or executive functions, suggesting cognitive difficulties are not profoundly affected by LFN.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Individuals reporting Low-Frequency Noise (LFN) often mention cognitive difficulties.
- Previous research on LFN's cognitive effects yielded mixed results, lacking clear evidence of impairment.
- LFN is defined as noise below the average human hearing threshold (20 Hz to 125/100 Hz).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cognitive functions between individuals reporting LFN perception and a control group.
- To investigate cognitive performance differences in individuals experiencing LFN during testing versus those who do not.
- To assess the impact of LFN on attention, memory, and executive functions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study comparing cognitive functions in LFN perceivers (n=68) and controls (n=67).
- Utilized an extensive test battery for attention, memory, and executive functions.
- Compared cognitive performance between those reporting LFN during testing (n=35) and those not (n=32).
Main Results:
- The LFN group exhibited significantly worse performance in aggregated attention and complex attention scores, though effect sizes were small.
- No significant differences were found in memory or executive function domain scores between the LFN and control groups.
- No cognitive domain score differences emerged between participants reporting LFN during testing and those who did not.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive difficulties in individuals reporting LFN perception do not appear to be overall strong or profound.
- The study suggests LFN exposure may have a minor impact on attention but not broadly on cognitive domains.
- Further research into factors like fatigue and sleep is recommended to understand individual differences in cognitive deficits related to LFN.
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