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Acoustic Noise Alters Selective Attention Processes as Indicated by Direct Current (DC) Brain Potential Changes

Author

Listed:
  • Karin Trimmel

    (Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria)

  • Julia Schätzer

    (Department of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna 1010, Austria)

  • Michael Trimmel

    (Department of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna 1010, Austria
    Institute for Environmental Hygiene, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria)

Abstract

Acoustic environmental noise, even of low to moderate intensity, is known to adversely affect information processing in animals and humans via attention mechanisms. In particular, facilitation and inhibition of information processing are basic functions of selective attention. Such mechanisms can be investigated by analyzing brain potentials under conditions of externally directed attention (intake of environmental information) versus internally directed attention (rejection of environmental stimuli and focusing on memory/planning processes). This study investigated brain direct current (DC) potential shifts—which are discussed to represent different states of cortical activation—of tasks that require intake and rejection of environmental information under noise. It was hypothesized that without background noise rejection tasks would show more positive DC potential changes compared to intake tasks and that under noise both kinds of tasks would show positive DC shifts as an expression of cortical inhibition caused by noise. DC potential shifts during intake and rejection tasks were analyzed at 16 standard locations in 45 persons during irrelevant speech or white noise vs . control condition. Without noise, rejection tasks were associated with more positive DC potential changes compared to intake tasks. During background noise, however, this difference disappeared and both kinds of tasks led to positive DC shifts. Results suggest—besides some limitations—that noise modulates selective attention mechanisms by switching to an environmental information processing and noise rejection mode, which could represent a suggested “attention shift”. Implications for fMRI studies as well as for public health in learning and performance environments including susceptible persons are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Karin Trimmel & Julia Schätzer & Michael Trimmel, 2014. "Acoustic Noise Alters Selective Attention Processes as Indicated by Direct Current (DC) Brain Potential Changes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:10:p:9938-9953:d:40661
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Shepherd & David Welch & Kim N. Dirks & David McBride, 2013. "Do Quiet Areas Afford Greater Health-Related Quality of Life than Noisy Areas?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-20, March.
    2. Tjeerd C. Andringa & J. Jolie L. Lanser, 2013. "How Pleasant Sounds Promote and Annoying Sounds Impede Health: A Cognitive Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-23, April.
    3. Pamela Woolner & Elaine Hall, 2010. "Noise in Schools: A Holistic Approach to the Issue," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 7(8), pages 1-15, August.
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