The Relationship Between Noise Sensitivity, Noise Annoyance, and Resilience Among Employees Working in Open-Plan Offices of State Banks in Birjand, Iran

Background: Noise pollution is one of the most significant hazards in occupational environments, affecting not only auditory health but also mental well-being and overall quality of life. This study aimed to examine the relationship between noise sensitivity, perceived noise annoyance, and resilience among employees working in open-plan office settings of state-owned banks in Birjand, Iran. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in branches of state banks in Birjand. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. The equivalent continuous sound level was measured in accordance with ISO 9612 using a CEL 450 device, and frequency analysis was performed to calculate the preferred noise index and speech interference level. Data from 96 employees were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Noise Sensitivity Scale, the Resilience Scale, and the ISO 15666 Noise Annoyance Scale. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS-19 software. Results: The mean indoor exposure noise level was 61.45±2.98 dBA, and the mean outdoor noise level was 65±6.28 dBA. Based on frequency analysis, the dominant frequency in the work environment was identified as 500 Hz. The speech interference level during bank operating hours was calculated at 57.77 dBA. The mean noise sensitivity score was 64.04±12.73, and the mean resilience score was 69.79±12.58. A total of 91 participants (94.8%) were classified as having "resilience." A significant inverse correlation was found between resilience and noise sensitivity (r=–0.287, P=0.025), as well as between resilience and noise annoyance (r=–0.277, P=0.028). Conclusion: The findings suggest that noise sensitivity may be a contributing factor in reducing psychological resilience and that experiencing noise annoyance further exacerbates this sensitivity. These associations underscore the importance of considering environmental factors in promoting mental health. The lack of correlation with demographic characteristics highlights the independent role of these variables.