Impact of road traffic noise on functional connectivity of human brain networks

Abstract

With the rapid economic development, the rapid increase in motor vehicle holdings, a sharp increase in urban road traffic, road traffic noise exposure is becoming increasingly serious. This paper focuses on the impact of traffic noise exposure on the human brain. We collected road traffic noise sounds of different sound pressure levels (SPLs), and recorded the electroencephalograph (EEG) when subjects exposed under different SPLs’ road noise. Using the graphic theoretical-based EEG method, the effects of road traffic noise with different SPLs on the functional connectivity of human brain networks were studied. Using time-frequency analysis, the beta2 bands was found to be most sensitive frequency band to different SPLs road noise. The brain network characteristic parameters of different SPLs noises were calculated. It is found that in these two frequency bands, the higher the noise SPL, the lower the clustering coefficient and the higher the characteristic path length. In summary, the paper points out the specific effects of road noise with different SPLs on the human brains. It is found that the higher the SPL of noise, the greater the damage to the functional connectivity of the human brain. That means, noise exposure can affect the rate at which the brain processes, analyses, and transmits information. The research results can provide a basis for road noise evaluation and prevention.