The effect of noise on learning and retention

Thirty one healthy adults (18 women and 13 men, aged 24 to 52 years) were studied in three experimental series. For testing the effect of noise on learning and retention--fixation of the learned--the partly modified method of the laboratory language was used. The experiments were performed in a quiet room at LAeq background noise to 40 dB. Basic microclimatic conditions were also observed. The subjects were tentatively and audiometrically examined. The noise load was a randomly variable noise of LAeq = 81-82 dB. The results of the study (a total of 64 individual tests) showed that the noise load had a negative effect on learning the laboratory language and retention--fixation of the learned.