School and Classroom Acoustics

Much of what is learned in school happens through hearing and listening. If the noise levels are not designed properly for classrooms students can be prohibited from optimal learning. For example, high levels of background noise generated by HVAC equipment, poor room acoustics, or intrusion of noise from outside the classroom can affect academic performance.

Careful consideration must be given to reverberation times, particularly in the primary grades where the young student’s ears are not fully developed. They also do not possess yet, the ability to ‘interpret’ what is being said if they don’t hear all the words. They are unable at this stage in life to ‘fill in the gaps’. Children with normal hearing can miss as much as a third of what teachers say. This is why good acoustical design of the classrooms is imperative. We conduct background noise and reverberation time measurements in rooms to assess the problem and recommend solutions. Those who continually miss key words, phrases, and concepts because of poor listening conditions are significantly disadvantaged.

For more information on improving school or classroom acoustics, contact us.