The Effect of Road Traffic Noise on Reaction Time

Background: Traffic noise is one of the main important sources in urban noise pollution, which causes various physiological and psychological effects that can cause disturbs in performance, sleep disturb­ances, hearing loss and impact on job performance. This study was conducted to verify the impact of road traffic noise on reaction time in terms of extraversion and sex.

Methods: Traffic noise was measured and recorded in 10 arterial streets in Tehran, and then the rec­orded noise was emitted towards participants in an acoustic room. The participants were 80 (40 cases and 40 controls) students. Personality type was determined by Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) questioner. Reaction time before and after exposure to traffic noise was measured.

Results: Reaction time before exposure to traffic noise did not differ (P=0.437) significantly between introverts and extraverts. However, it was increased significantly in both groups after exposure to traf­fic noise (P<0.01). Introvert’s reaction time was more increased than that of extraverts.

Conclusion: Traffic noise augmented reaction time of both males and females. This study also re­vealed that exposure to traffic noise leads to increase in reaction time.