The effect of Karaj noise pollution on mental performance of Karaj citizens

Traffic noise is one of the most important causes of noise pollution and also one of the environmental problems in today's societies. According to the World Health Organization, traffic noise is the cause of physiological and psychological disorders. Psychological disorders include impaired mental function, disruption of daily activities, increased rates of traffic accidents, and decreased concentration. Physiological disorders include sleep disorders, hearing loss, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, and effects on job performance. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between mental performance of introverts and extroverts in the face of traffic noise.

This study was performed on 40 students of Alborz University of Medical Sciences. The Mental Health Questionnaire were administered to all individuals. Also, traffic noise was recorded by a tape recorder for 15 minutes. Then, the participants were exposed to traffic noise in two modes of calm environment, and in both modes, a strope test was performed while playing the recorded sound. Finally, statistical analysis was performed to find the relationship between exposure to traffic noise and changes in mental function.

The results showed that after playing the sound in all participants, the mean consonant time decreased (p = 0.143), while the number of correct consonant responses increased after exposure to sound. (p=0.640)

Conclussion: 

The results of this study showed that traffic noise does not have different effects on the mental function parameters, and there is no significant relationship between voice and age, as well as voice and gender.