'Even minor traffic noise has negative impact on work performance'

WASHINGTON: Researchers from Chalmers' Division of Applied Acoustics conducted a laboratory experiment in which test subjects were subjected to concentration tests while hearing background traffic noise.

Before rating their perceived workload, participants were asked to stare at a computer screen and respond to specified letters. According to the study, the individuals performed much worse on the performance test and felt that the task was more difficult to complete with road noise in the background.

"What is unique about our study is that we were able to demonstrate a decline in performance at noise levels as low as 40 dB, which corresponds to the regular noise level in an office environment or a kitchen," says Leon Muller, Doctoral student at the Division of Applied Acoustics in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

The background noise consisted of two audio sequences simulating trucks passing by at a distance of ten and fifty metres. Both sequences were normalised to the same total indoor level of 40 dB. "The audio sequence simulating the closer passages, where the sound changes significantly as the vehicle passes by, was usually the one that bothered the test subjects the most," Muller says.

"This could be because traffic that is further away is perceived as a more constant drone."

Housing is built closer to roads now

In one study modelling low-frequency noise, Jens Forssen, Professor of applied acoustics at Chalmers, showed that such noise is primarily generated by heavy traffic at low speeds, and is difficult to shut out even with well-insulated windows and buildings that comply with all the construction norms and guidelines for sound insulation.

Reduced vehicle speed can increase the noise exposure indoors

"The calculations for different types of facades show that it is difficult to achieve ideal indoor sound environments near heavily trafficked roads," Forssen says.

"Reducing speeds is not a solution, as our calculations show that the indoor noise exposure can even increase at lower speeds."

Further, Forssen says that noise and the sound environment are a factor that is often considered too late in the planning process, and that there are advantages that could be achieved if adjustments were made in order to better utilise the space in terms of noise pollution.

The researchers also agree that the most effective solution would be to avoid urban densification in areas where traffic noise would have too great an impact on health and wellbeing.