Gaps in the literature on the effects of aircraft noise on children’s cognitive performance

Abstract

In the past two decades, several major studies have indicated that chronic aircraft noise exposure negatively impacts children’s cognitive performance. For example, the longitudinal Munich airport study (Hygge, Am. Psychol. Soc., 2002) demonstrated that noise adversely affects reading ability, memory, attention, and speech perception. Moreover, the cross-sectional RANCH study (Stansfeld, Lancet, 2005) found a linear correlation between extended noise exposure and reduced reading comprehension and recognition memory. This presentation summarizes these and other recent studies and discusses four key areas in need of further research (ENNAH Final Report Project No. 226442, 2013). First, future studies should account for all of the following confounding factors: socioeconomic variables, daytime and nighttime aircraft, road, and train noise, and air pollution. Second, multiple noise metrics should be evaluated to determine if the character of the noise alters the relationship between noise and cognition. Third, future research should explore the mitigating effects of improved classroom acoustics and exterior sound insulation. Finally, additional longitudinal studies are necessary: (1) to establish a causal relationship between aircraft noise and cognition; and (2) to understand how changes in the duration of the exposure and in the age of the students influence the relationship. [Work supported by FAA PARTNER Center of Excellence.]