Influence of low frequency noise on cognitive performance tasks

To study the influence of low frequency noise (LFN) on
cognitive performance tasks, 96 subjects, categorised in terms of sensitivity to
LFN, worked with four standardised psychological tests during exposure to LFN or
broadband noise without dominant low frequency content (reference noise) at a
level of 50 dB(A). It was found that the test results were influenced by
exposure and/or noise sensitivity. Regardless of sensitivity to noise, poorer
results in the LFN (compared to reference noise conditions) were noted in the
Comparing of Names Test (a tendency to more erroneous responses). High-sensitive
subjects achieved poorer results than others during exposure to LFN in the
Stroop Colour-Word Test (a significant interaction between noise and noise
sensitivity in case of reading interference) and in the Continuous Attention
Test (a tendency to more erroneous reactions). These findings suggest that LFN
at moderate levels could adversely influence cognitive performance tasks and
subjects high-sensitive to LFN may be at highest risk.