Road traffic noise and cognitive function among older adults

Road traffic noise is a widespread feature of daily life, particularly in urban areas and cities. Population exposure to road traffic noise is increasing in Europe, and previous research has found that exposure to noise can have negative effects on many aspects of health. The objective of this study was to investigate whether exposure to road traffic noise might be associated with reduced cognitive functioning in a sample of older adults in Ireland. Cognitive functioning refers to an individual’s mental abilities, including memory, decision making and attention.