Abstract
Background: Traffic noise is one of the main important sources in urban noise pollution, which causes various physiological and psychological effects that can cause disturbs in performance, sleep disturbances, hearing loss and impact on job performance. This study was conducted to verify the impact of road traffic noise on reaction time in terms of extraversion and sex. Methods: Traffic noise was measured and recorded in 10 arterial streets in Tehran, and then the recorded noise was emitted towards participants in an acoustic room. The participants were 80 (40 cases and 40 controls) students. Personality type was determined by Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) questioner. Reaction time before and after exposure to traffic noise was measured. Results: Reaction time before exposure to traffic noise did not differ (P=0.437) significantly between introverts and extraverts. However, it was increased significantly in both groups after exposure to traffic noise (P<0.01). Introvert’s reaction time was more increased than that of extraverts. Conclusion: Traffic noise augmented reaction time of both males and females. This study also revealed that exposure to traffic noise leads to increase in reaction time.
Highlights
Developing and developed countries are encountered to high road traffic noise level in urban environment
The results revealed that reaction time before exposure to traffic noise does not (P=0.437) significant difference between introverts and extraverts, and between males and females (P=0.828) in case and control groups
This study showed that exposure to road traffic noise tended to degrade performance through increment of reaction time
Summary
Developing and developed countries are encountered to high road traffic noise level in urban environment. Traffic noise is considered as one of the important sources of noise pollution that adversely effects on human health and social welfare.[3,4] Traffic noise causes various effects on physical and mental, daily activities and sleep disturbances, hearing loss, annoyance and may affect job performance.[5] Noise can adversely affect work and mental performance parameters such as memory, attention, concentration and reaction time.[6] Exposure to noise lead to a performance decrement, some such findings are controversial.[7]. Reaction time before and after exposure to traffic noise was measured. Results: Reaction time before exposure to traffic noise did not differ (P=0.437) significantly between introverts and extraverts. It was increased significantly in both groups after exposure to traffic noise (P
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