Performance during continuous and intermittent noise and wearing ear protection.

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Abstract
Tested a total of 34 housewives and 34 professional males on a 5-choice test of serial reaction for 40 min in intermittent and continuous broad band noise (Exp I) and while wearing ear protection in continuous noise (Exp II). Gaps in performance during intermittent noise were approximately 50% less than those in continuous noise. Errors were affected equally adversely by both intermittent and continuous noise. Ear protection interacted with noise and time-on-task, reducing gaps in noise in the 1st half but not the 2nd half of the test. Results are consistent with the theory that there are 2 different effects of noise. The improvement of performance when noise was intermittent is attributed to a reduction in the monotony experienced during a long exposure to continuous noise. The value of ear protection is attributed to a reduction in perceived loudness and prevention of temporary arousal following the onset of noise. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

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