It’s a well-documented fact: Exposure to excessive noise is a leading cause of hearing loss. It can also interfere with our ability to concentrate. However, according to a study conducted at the University of Illinois, a moderate level of ambient noise (around 70 decibels) can boost creative performance. This might help explain why you see so many people hunched over their computers at coffee shops — where the noise level is typically about 70 decibels.
