Ecophon Acoustic Bulletin
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December 20, 2011
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December 10, 2011
Noisy toys can damage childrens' hearing
Researchers from UC Irvine’s Department of Otolaryngology measured the noise levels of two dozen popular toys in stores and purchased the 10 loudest for precise gauging in a soundproof booth at UC Irvine Medical Center. They found that all exceeded 90 decibels and several reached 100 or more, equivalent to the noise of a chain saw, subway train or power mower.
Continue reading "Noisy toys can damage childrens' hearing" »
December 7, 2011
Great white sharks are less aggressive when listening to ACDC!
Photo: Michael Halsband/PR
…..particularly “You Shook Me All Night Long”.
A fascinating discovery was done whilst conducting research into what kinds of music affect the behavior of Great White Sharks.
Continue reading "Great white sharks are less aggressive when listening to ACDC!" »
December 6, 2011
Epidemic Sound - the world's biggest non-affiliated music library
Do you need music for your productions? Epidemic Sound was founded in 2009. They provide the Epidemic Sound library - created with the sole purpose of being used in audiovisual productions.
Continue reading "Epidemic Sound - the world's biggest non-affiliated music library" »
September 28, 2011
SHAPE THE PUBLIC ROOM WITH SOUND
Course in Stockholm 12-13 October 2011!
Sounds in the environment should not be regarded merely as problems. Here are also a great potential for experiences and health benefits. Instead of quantitative measurements and decibel levels a holistic approach is needed where the sound experience is in focus.
April 5, 2011
See the new video about Room Acoustic Comfort
March 26, 2011
Behavioural change for birds when exposed to more noise......
Image: clickgamer.com
Well instead of becoming "angry birds!" A recent study shows that noise changes the way birds communicate much like the way we might behave when in a school canteen according to review of research carried out on Finches in Mexico City
Continue reading "Behavioural change for birds when exposed to more noise......" »
February 3, 2011
Traffic noise increases risk of stroke
A recently published danish study indicates that traffic noises may increase the risk of stroke, particularly for older individuals.
The study was published in the European Heart Journal, and looked at the association between road traffic noise and stroke in more than 51,000 Danish people. It was found that for every 10-decibel increase in noise level, the risk of stroke increased by 14 percent. In those over 65, the risk of stroke increased 27 percent.
January 17, 2011
Breakthrough in tinnitus research
Researchers Dr. Michael Kilgard and Dr. Navzer Engineer from The University of Texas at Dallas in cooperation with a company called MicroTransponder report that sounds paired with stimulation of the vagus nerve eliminated tinnitus in rats. A clinical trial in humans is due to begin in the next few months.
The method works by stimulating a nerve in the neck, with a small electric current 300 times per day.
November 23, 2010
Engine noise on planes diminishes our sense of taste
Scientists have worked out why airline meals taste so bad - and the chef isn't to blame.
Research shows that the sort of noise we are subjected to inside aircraft cabin affects our taste buds, reducing our sense of saltiness and sweetness - and increasing crunchiness.
The finding could explain why even the most tempting-smelling in-flight meals taste bland and have the texture of cardboard.
Continue reading "Engine noise on planes diminishes our sense of taste" »
November 15, 2010
Some chemicals are noiser than others?
(picture from www.compliancesigns.com)
A Nordic expert collaboration, coordinated by the Karolinska Institute, suggests that specific labeling is necessary for chemicals that combined with noise exposure increase the risk of hearing damage. Substances that the experts denote as hearing damaging are the solvents styrene, toluene and carbon disulfide, the metals lead and mercury, and carbon monoxide gas.
- Most people are not aware that chemicals can cause hearing loss. The noise labeling that we now propose, would make employers and employees more aware of chemicals that can cause hearing damage, says Associate Professor Ann-Christin Johnson, of the Research Center for Hearing and Communication at Karolinska Institutet.
October 28, 2010
In search of the sound of silence.......
We all have a responsibility for reducing our carbon footprints.....but how about taking responsibility for our noise footprints. The BBC discuss if modern life is too noisy with poet Ian McMillan, who thinks we should all be worrying about reducing our noise footprints.
Click here for more info
See some very positive sound footprint examples
Continue reading "In search of the sound of silence......." »
October 12, 2010
AudioTools for iPhone
September 27, 2010
Hearing protection devices - now just an unpleasant memory
At Oatley, a non-milk dairy in southern Sweden, the need for hearing protection devices was eliminated thanks to effective sound absorption.
Read the entire article here (pdf-file)
Continue reading "Hearing protection devices - now just an unpleasant memory" »
September 23, 2010
Judge the sound environment in cafés or restaurants!
The Swedish Association of Hard of Hearing People (HRF) gives you the opportunity to mark the sound environment in cafés or restaurants! You can review the acoustics directly on their campaign web. They also published a tool where you can find a suitable café or restaurant nearby with an appropriate acoustic quality. On top of that you can “absorb” comments and make a more careful selection before having your meal and cosy moments disturbed!
September 20, 2010
Listening to Music While Working Hurts Performance
Pull out those earplugs to your iPod if you're studying for a test or performing a task. And turn off the stereo. 
What you hear while trying to concentrate can be distracting and impair your ability to memorize and recall information. That's the finding of a new study by researchers at the University of Wales Institute, who say they've found that listening to music seems to impair task concentration as well as the ability to remember. Nick Perham, PhD, and colleagues at the Wales Institute in Cardiff signed up 25 people aged 18 to 30 to examine their ability to recall information while listening to various sounds.
Continue reading "Listening to Music While Working Hurts Performance" »
August 19, 2010
It's ok for kids to fully enjoy themselves - outdoors, at least!
According to the German noise law, in future it will be possible to set up kindergartens and playgrounds in residential areas without special permission.
Photograph: Alamy
Continue reading "It's ok for kids to fully enjoy themselves - outdoors, at least!" »
May 31, 2010
Listen to the world's first audio recording!
May 28, 2010
Exchange and download free of charge sounds
The Freesound Project allows you to find your favourite sound samples! It could be ordinary school sounds, natural sounds or the sound of crushing a soda can! Or why not a ship bell as to get in the mood for ship cruising?
Continue reading "Exchange and download free of charge sounds" »
May 27, 2010
Rock star collaborates to showcase the theraputic sounds of special places
Photo: nme.com Photo:Andrew Butler
Jarvis Cocker of Pulp has collaborated with the National Trust to create:- National Trust: The Album. (time to think)
Comprising of British natural sounds including birdsong, crashing waves and wind breezing through a country garden.
Continue reading "Rock star collaborates to showcase the theraputic sounds of special places" »
May 25, 2010
Sound Planning - web portal to be explored
www.ljudplanering.se (sound planning) is a gathering place for many aspects of sound design and sound in the city - a live forum (in Swedish - at least so far) that is continuously updated with new experiences and knowledge. Here you can listen to city sounds, and compare the various solutions in the design affects the sound.
Continue reading "Sound Planning - web portal to be explored" »
April 27, 2010
Acoustic city planners wanted!
Sound policies in public environments usually have the approach of protecting us from, for instance noise. Lately adding sound for various reasons has been applied. How are we actually affected or influenced by sound? Perhaps we should employ acoustic city planners? At least this is what Björn Hellström suggests!
April 26, 2010
Sound Tourism
Have you ever listened to the singing ringing tree in the UK?
On sound tourism - a travel guide to sonic wonders, you will be able to find all kinds of sound experiences from all over the world.
Usually travel guides infrom us on all the must-sees. This website however provides you with hints on must-hears as sound can be at least as enjoyable as views or sights.
Sonic Wonders
Sonic Wonders is authored by Trevor Cox, Professor of Acoustic Engineering at the University of Salford
April 22, 2010
Interested in how sound is processed by the brain?
January 22, 2010
Huge media attention in Sweden for report on sound environment
Every other in Sweden is disturbed by Noise! According to a recent report, noise is a major problem at work. Almost every employee is affected, says the president of Hörselskadades (Hearing impaired) Association (HRF), who commissioned the report. "The problem with the sound environment is everywhere - even in school and at cafes for example.
Luckily an increasing amount of organisations have found ways to overcome this challenging sitiuation...
Continue reading "Huge media attention in Sweden for report on sound environment" »
January 14, 2010
Mosque gives a remarkable acoustic response
January 4, 2010
Study shows that musicians are better in distinguishing sounds in background noise
Musicians, trained to hear sounds embedded in a rich network of melodies and harmonies, are primed to understand speech in a noisy background.
November 9, 2009
Interesting facts and good advice about hearing impairements
Children spend at least 45% of the school day in schools listening! The average hearing loss with middle ear infection is 30 dB. 90% of very young children´s knowledge is connected to hearing conversations around them! These are some relevant facts, but also advice, which you can find at the website of Illinois State University if you go straight to this pdf!
August 11, 2009
New book on modern sounds!
Karin Bijsterveld at Maastricht University in the Netherlands published a book on technology, culture, and public problems of noise in the Twentieth Century.
August 6, 2009
Zebrafish might save human hearing!
The most common cause of hearing loss is damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. Once hair cells die, humans (like other mammals) aren’t able to grow new ones. Zebrafish, unlike humans, are able to regenerate their damaged hair cells. US researchers hope knowledge about this can help humans in the future.
August 4, 2009
“Noise movie” – a way to visualise noise in the community
July 20, 2009
Meet the editors of Acoustic Bulletin
June 29, 2009
Can the sound of a voice move a skyscraper?
Source image: Dynamic Architecture
Yesterday, one of my colleagues, forwarded a news item on BBC news. Although it has not much to do with acoustics, it is worth mentioning.
Italian architect David Fisher designed the world's first moving building, an 80-storey tower with revolving floors giving a shifting shape. The 420-metre (1,378-foot) building's apartments would spin a full 360 degrees, at voice command, around a central column by means of 79 giant power-generating wind turbines located between each floor.
Click here to see the animation about the first building that rotates, moves, and changes shape
Continue reading "Can the sound of a voice move a skyscraper?" »
June 9, 2009
Shopping music – influencing you either you like it or not!
May 18, 2009
I.O.A. TO HOLD "ACOUSTICS IN HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS" MEETING, in JUNE 2009
The Building Acoustics Group of the UK's Institute of Acoustics has organised a meeting in Manchester on 16th June 2009. Entitled "Acoustics in Healthcare Environments", it will be held at the Victioria & Albert Hotel, and will discuss Key Issues relating to exactly how environmental acoustics affect healthcare outcomes.
Continue reading "I.O.A. TO HOLD "ACOUSTICS IN HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS" MEETING, in JUNE 2009" »
May 17, 2009
Noise Action Week (UK) 18-22 May 2009
Noise Action Week in the UK aims to raise awareness about the health effects such as stress, excessive noise can cause for us all.
During Noise Action Week hundreds of organisations involved in managing noise across the UK, including local authority noise, housing, health teams, antisocial behaviour teams, housing organisations, mediation services, schools and others, coordinate events at local level to educate and inform people about noise, the impact it has and how to reduce it.
http://www.environmental-protection.org.uk/noiseactionweek/
The Institute of Acoustics is a sponsor for the week
http://www.ioa.org.uk/
March 11, 2009
Guidelines for Community Noise - WHO
When looking for a thorough overview of the research on how noise affects people I always still refer to the document “Community Noise” prepared for the World health Organisation (WHO). It used to be a book, but has for many years existed on the web as well. Here you can find the documentation edited by Birgitta Berglund , Thomas Lindvall and Dietrich H Schwela.
March 5, 2009
Let the beat of the music maximise your training
Costas Karageorghis is a jazz musician, a former athlete and researcher. He has been involved in music and sports since some 20 years. Costas performed several studies revealing that music can enhance your performance when training. What matters is the beat of the song! The relationship between heart rate and music preference is key to maximising the psychological benefits of music.
Continue reading "Let the beat of the music maximise your training" »
February 19, 2009
Noise-related stress is a significant public health hazard
Changed flight paths affected health! Noise of the laundry machines disturbed the whole block! Offices workers in an open-plan solution with constant sound exposure from machinery, phones and office chatter had higher levels of adrenaline than workers in a more quiet environment! Noise influence health and wellbeing, and this is being more and more highlighted in life style media and news. Read more here!
January 19, 2009
Acoustic rating system for cafés and restaurants in New Zealand
Most of the reviews of cafés and restaurants focus on the food and services and sometimes on the atmosphere. Unfortunately they seldom mention the sound/noise levels and acoustic experience. The New Zealand Acoustical Society has created a rating sheet and the results are available on-line. Read more here
November 5, 2008
Campaign to reduce noise in Neonatal Units
Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Trust took part in a regional campaign to raise awareness of noise levels in Neonatal Units and the need to reduce them. Lead by Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Cheryl Lewis, the campaign highlighted the impact noise can have on babies, and included staff training, posters and badges, and the use of a Decibel Monitor in the Unit.
Neonatal Units can be very noisy places, with the amount of medical equipment, alarms, telephones and people's voices, and this can impact upon the babies' development.
Continue reading "Campaign to reduce noise in Neonatal Units" »
November 4, 2008
Question: Can Botox cure tinnitus?
ANSWER: At least, adding absorption to a room will help to prevent tinnitus.
Scientists from the California Ear Institute in San Ramon, California have discovered a potential cure for some instances of tinnitus in the nerve agent Botox. One in four tinnitus patients in a study experienced improvement in their symptoms following treatment with Botox, 16 reported no change and three said their tinnitus had become worse.
Of course preventing Tinnitus should be priority number one. Applying stricter acoustic demands will benefit the ones suffering from Tinnitus and will support to prevent tinnitus. Effiicient absorbing ceiling panels and wall panels will support the decrease of sound pressure levels.
October 14, 2008
VOICE DISORDERS AMONG TEACHERS AS AN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE
Voice is a basic tool for teachers. Chronic voice disorders, very common among teaching staff, cause long term sick leaves or leaving the job for good (for other profession or for disability pension). In Poland, chronic voice disorders as a group of diseases are formally recognized as occupational disease. In 2007, officially confirmed voice disorders cases were the biggest group (24,4%) of all occupational diseases in Poland
Continue reading "VOICE DISORDERS AMONG TEACHERS AS AN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE" »
September 2, 2008
PUT SOUND WHERE YOU WANT IT!
The Audio Spotlight is a revolutionary new audio technology developed by dr. Joseph Pompei, that creates sound in a narrow beam, just like light. Aim the flat, thin speaker disc to your desired listening area, and provide all of the sound — with none of the noise. Image the possibilities!
February 5, 2008
ABSORBING TRANSPARENCY - A WINNING THEME
Four architecture students from KTH in Stockholm received the first price at the the Future Workplace contest. Their proposal called “Absorbing Transparency” convinced the jury.
High demands on acoustics
They choose to create a room structure with high acoustic features to secure that transparency does not lead to an increase of soundlevels. The focus is on creating a mentally relaxing environment, both visually as well as acoustically. The design should provide the activities that are sensitive to or generate noise to be limited by the room interior.
Continue reading "ABSORBING TRANSPARENCY - A WINNING THEME" »
June 21, 2007
CD music is getting louder
Rock music really is getting louder and record companies are using digital technology to turn the volume on CDs up! Sound levels are being artificially enhanced so that the music punches through when it competes against background noise in pubs or cars. Read more here!
Daytime noise makes birds sing at night instead
March 13, 2007
Test your hearing at home
The company Digital Recordings offers a variety of hearing test products. Test it yourself, the only you need is a computer and a pair of headphones or earphones. Free software is avalable at http://www.digital-recordings.com/hearing-test/ht-products.html
August 14, 2006
ECOTECT - Acoustic analysis and visualisation software
ECOTECT v5. is now launched.
Illustration: Square 1/ECOTECT
The software is developed by Square 1. It has been existing for some years but will be from this version more actively commercialised.
Continue reading "ECOTECT - Acoustic analysis and visualisation software" »
April 20, 2006
1 dB makes a difference!
Attended the IOA conference “Futures in Acoustics: Today’s research – Tomorrow’s careers” a couple of weeks ago. Prof. Mike Barron (University of Bath) lectured on ‘The development of concert hall design – a 111 year experience’.
April 6, 2006
Ear and hearing explained and illustrated
Promenade 'around the cochlea is a collective resource hosted by the University of Montpellier in France. Impressive pictures and lots of illustrations.
Must be seen!
Continue reading "Ear and hearing explained and illustrated" »
March 16, 2006
Challenging acoustics in music clubs
The acoustic treatment of the Henriksberg pub and restaurant won a prize for best practice at European Noise at Work Summit, 12 December 2005. Watch the video of the presentation.
View the Ecophon solution for the project (NB: different conditions might require adjustments of the solution. We recommend to involve an acoustics consultant)
December 7, 2005
Sound and architecture
Space is not only visual. For acoustician B. Delage, space can be seen as an interaction of both an acoustical and a visual dimension. In this article, he develops his approach around an architectural icon, the Kidosaki House, by Tadao Ando: a good example of how sounds in architecture can touch and provoke us.
Read the article
Author: B. Delage, www.viasonora.com
Publication: Earshot, # 3, UK, 2002
September 20, 2005
Sound and man in office environments
September 18, 2005
See it with your eyes; hear it with your ears! - RT demonstration
June 10, 2005
(European) Acoustic Dictionary
The dictionary has been collected by the Swiss Acoustical Society and now resides on the web page of the European Acoustics Association. The entries can be sorted by mouse click on the language in the table header.
http://www.european-acoustics.org/AD/
June 9, 2005
Leading Swedish acoustic consultancy grows
Ingemansson Technology AB acquires all shares in Brekke&Strand Akustikk AS to form the largest group of expertise in Acoustics and Vibration in Europe.
The Swedish based company Ingemansson Technology AB has 100 employees and close to 50 years of experience as expert engineering consultants in acoustics with a wide range of customers in Scandinavia, Europe and across the world. Brekke&Strand AS is the leading Norwegian acoustics consultancy with 20 experienced acoustic engineers. Ingemansson has also launched a joint venture operation in France, whereby it will be better prepared to offer its services and competence to a wider range of customers.
For more information: http://www.bs-akustikk.no/ or http://www.ingemansson.com/
June 8, 2005
Sonoises - an acoustic retreat
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