With the increasingly widespread availability of broadband internet, online courses have become a common and accepted form of instruction for both educators and students. They offer flexibility in terms of time and location, provide access to a wide range of learning resources, and foster interaction through digital platforms. At the same time, they also pose challenges regarding technical infrastructure and the design of the learning environment, particularly with respect to audio quality, which is essential for effective communication and a positive learning experience.

Audio quality plays a crucial role in the success of online learning, as it significantly impacts comprehension, concentration, and the overall learning experience. Common background noises typical in e-learning environments—such as household sounds, traffic noise, natural sounds, technical disturbances, as well as keyboard typing, notification tones from devices, and echoes in sound-reflective rooms—represent one of the greatest challenges.

Through experimental measurements conducted on participants, the effects of various background noises on speech intelligibility and cognitive load during online courses are quantitatively assessed. Participants were exposed to different noise scenarios while their performance in listening and comprehension tasks, as well as their subjective strain, was evaluated.Technological solutions aimed at improving audio quality are compared. Additionally, psychological and pedagogical aspects are explored, including the design of a quiet learning environment and the use of subtitles. Methods for assessing audio quality, case studies from practice, and specific recommendations for educators, learners, and platform providers complement the analysis. The results of these measurements provide valuable insights into the specific challenges posed by different types of disruptive noises and serve as a foundation for the development and validation of the proposed technological and pedagogical solutions.

Keywords: Online education, audio quality, virtual classroom.