The effect of moderate broadband noise on cognitive performance: a systematic review

Abstract

Individuals in occupational settings are often exposed to moderate levels (e.g., < 85 dBA) of background noise (i.e., broadband noise) while performing cognitive-based tasks. Exposure to such noise may affect individuals’ cognitive performance and thus affect desired performance level (e.g., safety performance). The present review outlines the effect of moderate broadband noise on indices of cognition such as reaction time, attention, short-term and long-term memory, and high(er)-order cognitive tasks such as decision-making, mental arithmetic, grammatic reasoning, or reading comprehension. The present review highlights limitations associated with moderators, and their effect on broadband noise. 43 studies ranging from 1980 to February 2023 were selected and analysed to investigate this issue. Reviewed results offered minimal evidence for a negative effect of moderate broadband noise on cognitive performance. Negative effects that were found, were often evident only under specific circumstances. The roles of cognitive load, repeated session, and individual differences (e.g., sex) were found to differ from theoretical predictions based on evidence from broader noise(s), which highlights the distinctive characteristics of the mild stressor; hence an area for future research.