Work

Audiovisual Modulation of Traffic Noise Effects on Psychological Restoration in Expressway-Adjacent Residential Environments: A Virtual Reality Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Expressway traffic noise poses a critical threat to public health in developed high-density cities, causing chronic environmental stress in adjacent residential areas. While physical noise barriers are commonly used, the potential of audiovisual interactions in mitigating the adverse effects of traffic noise remains under-explored. Using immersive virtual reality (VR), this study examined the efficacy of visual greenery and auditory masking (birdsong) in promoting stress recovery, and tested whether audiovisual perception mediates the environment–restoration link. Following an acute stressor, 100 participants were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment manipulating Green View Index (high vs. low) and soundscape composition (traffic noise vs. traffic noise plus birdsong), with 25 participants in each group. Restorative outcomes were assessed using self-reported measures and continuous physiological monitoring (heart rate variability [HRV] and electrodermal activity [EDA]). Results demonstrated that high-intensity visual greenery and natural sounds effectively enhance psychological restoration in noise-affected environments. Structural equation modeling revealed that audiovisual perception fully mediated the relationship between environmental features and restorative outcomes. The physiological outcome showed a distinct tiered restoration pattern, indicating that immediate psychological buffering can be achieved through natural sounds, while consistent visual reinforcement remained essential for deep physiological recovery. Consequently, soundscape planning in expressway-adjacent zones should integrate visual greening strategies to optimize the perceptual masking of traffic noise and enhance the environmental quality.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings16040873

Authors: Tongfei Jin, Zhoutao Zhang, Yuhan Shao

Institution: Tongji University

Language: English

Topic: Noise Effects and Management

Subfield: Speech and Hearing

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137