title: The Effect of Road Traffic Noise on Reaction Time.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Traffic noise is one of the main important sources in urban noise pollution, which causes various physiological and psychological effects that can cause disturbs in performance, sleep disturbances, hearing loss and impact on job performance. This study was conducted to verify the impact of road traffic noise on reaction time in terms of extraversion and sex.
  
  
  METHODS
  Traffic noise was measured and recorded in 10 arterial streets in Tehran, and then the recorded noise was emitted towards participants in an acoustic room. The participants were 80 (40 cases and 40 controls) students. Personality type was determined by Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) questioner. Reaction time before and after exposure to traffic noise was measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reaction time before exposure to traffic noise did not differ (P=0.437) significantly between introverts and extraverts. However, it was increased significantly in both groups after exposure to traffic noise (P<0.01). Introvert's reaction time was more increased than that of extraverts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Traffic noise augmented reaction time of both males and females. This study also revealed that exposure to traffic noise leads to increase in reaction time.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Health Engineering Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Iraj
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Alimohammadi
authors.affiliation: Occupational Health Engineering Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Mojtaba
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zokaei
authors.affiliation: Institute for Applied Ergonomics and Industrial Engineering, Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sandrock
keywords: Extraversion; Reaction Time; Student; Traffic Noise