Effect of changes in vehicle sound on attentional mechanisms and event-related potentials

The widespread use of electric vehicles has altered the perception of automobile sounds in recent years. As automated driving becomes more prevalent, it is assumed that a decrease in cognitive load will make vehicle sounds more noticeable, thereby increasing discomfort while driving. Studies have aimed to reduce the noise disturbance of electric vehicles and evaluate their effects from a physiological perspective. However, no study has examined the attentional mechanisms while driving electric vehicles from a neurophysiological perspective. In this study, we investigated selective attention to vehicle sounds and the effects of changes in vehicle sounds on event-related potentials under driving conditions. Event-related potentials are closely associated with the physical characteristics of stimuli, the cognitive processes of perception, and selective attention. We examined event-related potentials, such as P3, during driving to understand their relationship with selective attention in the driving environment. Our study revealed differences in event-related potentials with subtle changes in vehicle sound pressure levels while driving. Furthermore, we found that differences in attentional engagement may be evoked by sound pressure level changes. These results will help investigate practical approaches to reduce vehicle noise and enhance comfort within car interiors.