Background noises make your concentration worse: A new study on how to work more effectively

Are you a person who's easily distracted by anything, so it's hard for you to concentrate on work?

If you are, then you're not alone - a new work shows that even quiet traffic noise can decrease your concentration a lot.

Let's find out how it works.

Brain is so easily distracted

Researchers at Chalmers' Division of Applied Acoustics conducted the research on the effects of background traffic noise on people's concentration.

Test subjects performed tasks while exposed to simulated traffic noise at 40 dB, similar to office or kitchen noise levels.

Results showed poorer performance and increased difficulty in task completion with the presence of traffic noise, especially with closer passing sounds.

The study shows a huge negative impact of traffic noise on mental health and job performance.

Noise pollution is everywhere

Swedish regulations for construction near roads are based on average noise levels, neglecting individual pass-bys and low-frequency noise peaks indoors.

Heavy traffic at low speeds generates low-frequency noise that is pretty difficult to mitigate even with well-insulated buildings.

Reducing vehicle speed does not solve the problem and can even increase intense indoor noise exposure.

It should be fixed

Noise considerations are often overlooked in planning processes, and urban densification should be avoided in areas with excessive traffic noise for better health and well-being.
 

• Related news:
• noise
• traffic noise
• research
• concentration
• work
• 8 July 2023

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