Comprehensive Review of Noise Pollution Sources, Health Impacts, and Acoustic Environments Affecting College and University Students

Abstract

The present paper provides a comprehensive literature review of the effects of noise pollution on college and university students through evaluating research articles, surveys, and questionnaires on this imperative problem. Interference such as noise pollution in learning institutions has now acted as a major menace owing to the resultant health complications, learning handicaps and general well-being of students. The study provides an understanding of the major sources of noise on campuses; outdoor noise, which may feature traffic noise, construction noise, and industrial noise within the vicinity as well as indoor noise inclusive of electrical generator noise, laboratory equipment and students accompanying noise amongst others. These noise sources add extra noise to the background noise levels in classrooms, lecture halls, and educational labs. The paper also discusses the effects of noise on the health of students generally and particularly on the cerebral and sensory skills including concentration, learning, memory and speaking and hearing. Also, it overviews the impact of noisy environments on the human ear and health, such as stress, changes in sleep patterns, and cardiovascular disease. Classrooms and laboratory acoustic environments are also discussed, and how factors such as reverberation time, sound insulation, and background noise affect the quality of learning spaces are considered. The review focuses on noise control in the learning environment and recommends that noise should be controlled through effective noise control acoustic design, noise control through zoning and controlling noise through technology for the benefit of effective learning and student health. Presenting examples from various universities, this paper therefore encourages the development of sound management approaches in campus environments in a bid to create a healthier learning environment.