Mental Processing of Human Subjects with Different Individual Characters Exposed to Low Frequency Noise

摘要

Low Frequency Noise (LFN) is ubiquitous in both occupational and general environments. Mental performance of subjects exposed to LFN is expected to be impaired. Individual characters seem to play a significant role in this process. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of moderate levels of LFN (20–200 Hz) on mental performance. Fifty-three subjects (in two groups) were exposed to low and flat frequency character noise each at the same sound pressure levels of 45 dBA. Personality traits of extro-intraversion and neuroticism were determined using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. The subjects were asked to carry out two different mental tasks while being exposed to the noise. Subjective reports were collected using questionnaires. Concentration problems, fatigue and noise annoyance during the experiments were measured using a numeric ten-point self-rating scales. The results revealed that LFN impaired mental performance. There was no significant effect of LFN on the accuracy of mental processing, compared to the reference noise condition. Extrovert subjects performed significantly faster, compared to the introverts and subjects that exposed to LFN performed slower than reference noise. More stable personality, with extroversive tendencies is likely for better adaptation to LFN during mental performance, compared to people with the opposite personality traits. Correlation analysis showed a highly significant negative relation of extroversion and noise annoyance during mental processing.