Even low-level traffic noise can reduce birdsong's stress-relieving effects
Traffic noise disrupts recognized benefits of birdsong and other sounds from nature, a new study from the University of Surrey reports.
Scientists from the University of Surrey have discovered that even small amounts of traffic noise can diminish the stress-reducing benefits of birdsong. The study, published in the journal People and Nature, examined the impact of natural soundscapes containing birds and traffic noise on psychological well-being. Researchers found that traffic noise negatively affected the stress-relieving effects of nature's sounds, regardless of its acoustic complexity or level, as long as it exceeded WHO guidelines for daytime vehicle traffic noise.
Dr. Melissa Marselle, the lead researcher, stated that urban planning should consider minimizing traffic noise near parks to enhance the benefits of spending time in nature.
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