The effect of industrial noise exposure on attention, reaction time, and memory

Abstract

Noise, a common physical hazard in many workplaces, may affect different aspects of human cognitive function. In this study, the effect of exposure to noise on some aspects of cognitive function was assessed in industrial workers. This was a cross-sectional study on 84 individuals exposed to noise level higher than 85dBA in a metal industry (noise group), comparing a group of workers from the same industry (n = 80) with exposure to noise level lower than 80dBA (control group). The individuals in the noise group were classified as well according to noise intensity into: high exposure (90dBA and higher) and low exposure (between 85 and 90dBA). Selective attention score, divided attention score, selective response time, divided response time, and memory scale were measured before and after work shift. Data were analyzed by SPSS (Ver. 16) using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, paired t test, Student's t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare mean difference of the variables between two groups. p < 0.05 was considered as significant. All measured cognitive functions were significantly changed after work shift in the noise group and the difference was statistically significant between noise and control group. Exposure to higher noise intensity caused more change in cognitive function. Exposure to noise higher than 85dBA affects some aspects of cognitive function (reaction time, attention and memory).