Assessment of noise pollution and specific mitigation measures to reduce it in educational settings and its impact on students' academic performance: A review

Noise pollution causes many problems in the educational process and adversely affects the performance of educators and students. This study reviewed the research, studies, surveys, and questionnaires on the subject and examined the effects of noise pollution on the academic performance of students and certain mitigating measures to control it. This document provided a comprehensive overview of noise measurements, comparison with guidelines/standards, factors affecting noise in college and university campuses, external and internal noise sources in the educational environment, effects of noise on health and student performance, sound quality of classrooms, and noise reduction. The results of the review revealed that most academic students are exposed to noisy environments, which have significant physiological and psychological effects on health. The review recommended certain noise control and management measures that include the use of noise barriers, construction of green spaces, design of noise reduction infrastructure, implementation of awareness programs, strict enforcement of laws and noise regulations, the development of advanced noise control technologies, integrated strategies, and sustainable environmental planning to reduce the menace of noise pollution.