Article

2004-10-01 -Short Attention Span Theater-

Background noises can scramble the brain

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Oct. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers said background noises actually may scramble brain activity as well as make conversations more difficult.

The discovery could explain why even perfectly loud speech can be difficult to understand in a noisy room, University of Florida researchers said.

The researchers studied how alert rats' brain cells responded to specific sounds while one of three standardized noises played in the background. They discovered that brain activity actually decreased in the presence of background noise.

Background noise did not simply cover up sounds, they said. It interfered with the brain's ability to process or interpret information about a sound, even though the sound was heard. Essentially, they said, the brain could not understand what the ear was telling it.

The phenomenon could play a role in an auditory processing disorder first noticed in children in the 1970s. The lack of coordination between the ear and brain that characterizes the disorder is thought to be widespread, although it is difficult to diagnose.

The findings could influence the design of hearing devices, MP3 music players and virtually any audio transmission technology, the researchers said.

Posted by Mark Espinola 2004-10-01 8:39:47 PM|| || Front Page|| [11138 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 BACKGROUND NOISE CAN ALSO SCREW UP BRAIN FUNCTION IN A WAY TO EFFECT HOW MANY TIMES YOU POST THE SAME ARTICLE!! OR SO I'VE BEEN TOLD...

Posted by tu3031 2004-10-01 9:14:13 PM|| 2004-10-01 9:14:13 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 WHAT!?!

Posted by JerseyMike 2004-10-01 9:15:48 PM|| 2004-10-01 9:15:48 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 Yes, sometimes things then have to be said twice, as this post duplication aptly indicates. :-)

Posted by Memesis 2004-10-01 9:25:08 PM|| 2004-10-01 9:25:08 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 listening to beachboys while rbing may have been the bomb. can't type any more but i'll relesrn

Posted by Lucky 2004-10-01 9:42:16 PM|| 2004-10-01 9:42:16 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 Hey Lucky we're here for ya.

Posted by Seafarious 2004-10-01 9:46:13 PM|| 2004-10-01 9:46:13 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 Damn, how much grant money did they get for that? I could've told them that.

I'm looking for a background noise that will unscramble my brain. Let me know when they find that.

Posted by Angie Schultz 2004-10-01 10:47:30 PM|| [http://darkblogules.blogspot.com] 2004-10-01 10:47:30 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 Background noises can scramble the brain

I figured that out a long time ago - that's why I'm single again ;-)

Posted by Frank G 2004-10-01 11:37:50 PM|| 2004-10-01 11:37:50 PM|| Front Page Top

#8 thanks sea. thats why i hang out with you folks. buddy brought over the new brian wilson cd smile . it was what i thought it would be. pretty cool but a redo of smiley smile and wild honey.i'm left side challenged. thats pc for help me i'vr fallen and can't get up. man after honing my wordssmityhing for a few years here what a downer to hsve to type two finger. start kemo mondday with radiation. say hi to new rbr jq rider when he stops by. he's into motorcycles and is cool. man. love your friends and family. my surgeon reminded me of dr nick from simpsons.

Posted by Lucky 2004-10-02 12:05:34 AM|| 2004-10-02 12:05:34 AM|| Front Page Top

#9 Lucky jq gave me your addy and I'll send you a card tomorrow. Abu with the flashing eyes and the toothy smile hasn't been around in a while, we miss him!

Posted by Seafarious 2004-10-02 12:13:27 AM|| 2004-10-02 12:13:27 AM|| Front Page Top

19:26 NN2N1
19:12 Elmerert Hupens2660
18:34 Chantry
18:23 Gritch Throlumble3163
18:15 Elmerert Hupens2660
18:11 MikeKozlowski
18:11 MikeKozlowski
17:50 Pancho Poodle8452
17:34 Elmerert Hupens2660
17:22 DooDahMan
17:15 DooDahMan
17:10 DooDahMan
17:08 DooDahMan
17:08 DooDahMan
16:52 DarthVader
15:31 NoMoreBS
15:24 DarthVader
15:20 NoMoreBS
15:15 Griter+Slash1619
15:04 NoMoreBS
14:51 Grom the Affective
14:50 Secret Master
14:06 swksvolFF
13:45 Lord Garth