PURPOSE: to characterize student performance in Frequency Pattern Test (FPT) and Duration Pattern Test (DPT) in a silent ambient and under noise. METHOD: experimental cross-sectional study, measured in a convenience sample. Survey made up by 70 students who answered a form on their noise perception. School's noise level was evaluated using physical measurements. Students were submitted to previous evaluations (speech, language, and auditory processing) and then splinted into two groups (G1 - with no Speech-language pathology alteration; G2 - with Speech-language pathology alteration). Students were also submitted to Frequency and Duration Pattern Tests (in silence under noise). RESULTS: school's sound pressure level ranged from 57.2 dBA in school's computer lab to 83.6 dBA in school's gym. According to students, what interferes most in their activities is the buzz from conversations during class. Regarding FPT and DPT, it was possible to note that score average in a quiet environment was higher than under noise. G1 had better performance in the FPT and DPT than G2. Noise worsened in both groups (G1 and G2) as for the performance in tests. CONCLUSION: school's sound pressure levels are high and out of standard recommendations under the Brazilian national norms. Noise worsened both group performances in FPT and DPT.
Noise; Hearing Tests; Learning; Noise Effects; Auditory Perception
