Working in and with Noise: The Impact of Audio Environment on Attention

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between audio environment and attention. Although background noise has generally been assumed to be distracting, recent research has suggested that the opposite may be true. Attention was assessed in 27 participants using a continuous performance test under three different noise conditions: exposure to ambient noise (the control), pink noise, and a television audio track. Participants’ attention was significantly improved in pink noise as compared to the ambient noise, whereas no differences were found between the ambient and television conditions. These findings suggest that not all noise is created equal when it comes to paying attention.

Acknowledgments

Thanks go to Dr. James Vivian and Marc Saab for their helpful advice and comments. The continuous performance tests in this work were designed and performed using equipment and software by Thought Technology Ltd.

Notes

^a n = 4.

^b n = 23.

^c N = 27.

Note. ANCOVA = analysis of covariance.