Noise poses a serious threat to children's hearing, health, learning and behavior. This
study was done to determine the effects of noise and hearing on task and academic
performance of primary school children in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 110 Standard
One Malay children aged from 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 years were recruited in this study according
to stratified random sampling. Environmental noise levels and personal noise
exposures were measured by using sound level meter and noise dosimeter,
respectively. A personal questionnaire and audiometric tests was administered on all
the respondents. Seven tests in the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities
constituted the tests in the Task Performance. Task Performance was carried out twice
on the same respondents in quiet and noise condition. The child's academic
performance was determined by his latest examination result in the school.
Environmental noise measurement indicated that a mean equivalent continuous sound
level (LEQ), maximum level (LMAX) and minimum level (LMIN) of at least 60 dB
(A) was found inside and outside the classrooms irrespective of school days or
holidays
