How does noise affect our concentration?

Noise at home, at work or at school often disrupts people's concentration. Why is that so?

It's simple: Noise stresses us out

Stress resulting from constant noise can trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that helps restore homeostasis in the body after a bad experience. Excess cortisol impairs function in the prefrontal cortex—the emotional learning center that helps regulate "executive" functions such as planning, reasoning, and impulse control.

The prefrontal cortex also stores short-term memories. Changes in this area can therefore impair a person's ability to think clearly and retain information.

Noise stress can reduce the availability of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, where the hormone controls the flow of information from other parts of the body. Stress caused by background noise can reduce higher brain function, impair learning and memory.

Noise and health

Ambient noise also affects people's health by increasing overall stress levels and exacerbating stress-related conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, peptic ulcers and migraine headaches.

Learning, work and overall concentration can be easily disturbed if you are exposed to background noise. We concentrate best in a quiet environment that does not trigger a stress reaction in our body - on the contrary, it helps us calm down and handle tasks more easily.

Tailored soundproofing

If the noise bothers you, please contact us. We will work out a solution for youcustom soundproofing. We will soundproof the work environment, entire school buildings, and take care of silence in the home as well.