The Influence of Noise Exposure on Cognitive Function in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis
David Fernández-Quezada, Diana Fernández, Ileana Fuentes, Joaquı́n Garcı́a‐Estrada, Sonia Luquı́n
Abstract
Environmental noise has been repeatedly linked to negative effects on cognitive functioning among children and adolescents. This research sought to systematically assess studies investigating the relationship between noise exposure and cognitive outcomes in young individuals. Through a meta-analysis of eight primary studies published between 2001 and 2023, this study examined the effects of various noise types on cognitive performance across multiple domains in young populations. The findings reveal that noise exposure significantly impairs cognitive performance in children and adolescents, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of –0.544 (95% CI: [−0.616, −0.472]), z = −14.85, p < 0.0001. These results underscore the profound impact of environmental noise on cognitive functioning in younger populations.