Neurophysiological responses to neighbor noise in high-density residential environments: a study on noise sensitivity and cognitive impact in university dormitories

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of neighbor noise on cognitive performance and α-EEG responses in noise-sensitive individuals within high-density university dormitories. This research not only addresses the gap in understanding how neighborhood sounds influence cognitive function and brain activity in noise-sensitive individuals but also provides novel evidence of region-specific α-EEG responses (especially in the Temporal and Parietal regions). Moreover, the findings highlight potential cross-cultural implications, as noise sensitivity varies across different urban living contexts worldwide. The study simulated neighborhood noise in a laboratory environment, using a range of sounds, including music, speech, footsteps, and combinations of footsteps with other sounds. Results showed that noise-sensitive individuals had significantly higher α-EEG activity in response to music, speech, and footsteps compared to non-noise-sensitive individuals. Furthermore, significant differences were observed across brain regions, with the strongest α-EEG activity localized in the Temporal and Parietal regions, indicating these areas as key neural correlates of noise sensitivity. In the initial stages of sound exposure, both groups showed an increase in α-EEG to music. The study demonstrated significant differences between sound sources and highlighted that α-EEG responses differed between the resting and task conditions, with varying responses between the two groups. This study contributes new neurophysiological evidence on how common neighbor noises affect sensitive individuals in shared living environments, and suggests that α-EEG can serve as a reliable biomarker to inform cross-cultural noise management, dormitory design, and urban housing policies aimed at improving mental health and productivity.