The effect of noise content and level on cognitive performance measured by electroencephalography (EEG)

• Published in: Automation in construction Vol. 130; p. 103836
• Main Authors: Ke, Jinjing, Du, Jing, Luo, Xiaowei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.10.2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Cognitive performance; Cognitive tasks; Construction noise; Electroencephalography; Hazard identification; Hazards identification; Noise; Noise levels; Noise prediction; Performance prediction; Portable equipment; Reaction time; RT; DG; Electroencephalography; HRV; SD; Cognitive performance; ASI; ISE; NIHL; MUG; EMG; DWT; TLX; HMG; MWL; CG; EEG; MMG; ICA; LMG; Hazards identification; RA; Construction noise; NIT; HPD
• ISSN: 0926-5805; 1872-7891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103836

Task-irrelevant noises pose deleterious effects on task performance, health, and work safety, especially in the construction field. However, the quantitative effects of noise on the cognitive performance in construction remain relatively unexplored. The paper aims to examine the effects of various noise conditions on task performance and cognitive performance via a portable electroencephalography device. A total of 27 subjects participated the experiment to identify hazards under different noise exposure conditions (contents and levels). The behavioral performance (accuracy and reaction time) and electroencephalography were collected and analyzed. The findings indicated a negative relationship between the performance of the participants and the exposure to noise. The intrinsic cognitive states including attention, stress and mental workload have been affected in varying degrees. Evaluating the impact of noise on cognitive functions helps explain the mental effects of the impaired performance. Neurocognitive monitoring with electroencephalography sets the basis for predicting task performance under different noise conditions. •The effects of noise on behavior and cognitive performance were quantified.•EEG was used for assessing cognitive performance under noise conditions.•Attention, stress, and mental workload were lowest with dialogue noise.•Themedium level of mechanical noise decreased attention and increased stress.