How does noise work against a person’s ability to hear normal conversation?

High noise levels can mask speech sounds and make them harder to hear by overlapping with the frequencies that are crucial for understanding speech. When ambient noise is too loud, it can drown out quieter speech components, making it difficult for individuals to distinguish words and phrases. This masking effect is particularly detrimental in environments with continuous or sudden loud noises, as the brain struggles to filter out the unwanted sounds to focus on conversation. Consequently, effective communication can be significantly impaired, leading to misunderstandings and frustration in social interactions. This phenomenon is a common issue in both work and social settings, where excessive noise levels compromise hearing abilities.