Do you know the mix of relief, happiness, and a feeling of power that comes right after submitting a conference paper at the very last minute? While last-minute submissions or trip bookings release adrenaline, planning ahead is still the better strategy – especially when 2026 is packed with excellent acoustics conferences that you might want […]
Healthcare
Improving acoustic comfort at Chelsea and Westminster hospital -The SILENTS study
Ecophon have been part of the Sound in Clinical Environments (SILENTS) study, looking at the effects of noise in the Acute Assessment Unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, a project funded by the hospital’s official charity CW+. The aim of the study is to improve the experience of the acoustic environment on a […]
Architecture and Autism, shared spaces and sensory escape
On Friday, 28 November 2025, the BeSENSHome research group will host the international workshop “Architecture and autism, shared spaces and sensory escape”. Participation in the event at the University of Trieste is possible in person or online (see registration below). The event brings together researchers, designers, educators, and professionals. To explore how built environments can […]
Improved working environment in Ahus Sterile Unit
Imagine working in an environment where the constant clatter of metal trolleys, the hum of industrial washing machines, and sound reflections from hard surfaces create an unrelenting cacophony. This was the daily reality for the dedicated staff at the sterile unit of Akershus University Hospital (Ahus). One of Norway’s largest hospitals is located just outside […]
From Theory to Reality : Assessing Predictive Models for comparison of Reverberation Time results
Guest post by Marco Caniato University of Applied Science HFT of Stuttgart, based on his recent presentation at Forum Acousticum / Euronoise 2025 conference in Málaga. Background Reverberation time (RT) is a fundamental parameter in room acoustics, directly affecting speech intelligibility, comfort, and the overall acoustic quality of a space. Yet, despite decades of research […]
The influence of indoor temperature and noise on autistic individuals
Study overview This study explores how indoor temperature and noise affect people with autism, aiming to create more inclusive and comfortable environments. While most indoor comfort research focuses on the general population, this study highlights that autistic individuals often experience their surroundings differently due to sensory sensitivities. These differences can make standard comfort assessments, like […]
Forum Acousticum/Euronoise 2025: Let’s talk acoustics, research & real-world impact
From 23–26 June 2025, the acoustics world will gather under the Andalusian sun for Forum Acousticum / Euronoise 2025, hosted in the vibrant coastal city of Málaga, Spain. This joint congress is one of the year’s most significant events for anyone passionate about sound—its science, its design, and its profound impact on people.We’re thrilled to […]
The Impact of Hospital Noise – Survey among Polish Nurses and Midwives
Abstract Noise in hospital environments is a significant yet often marginalized threat to the health of both nurses and midwives and patients. Results from a survey conducted in April 2025 among 65 nurses and midwives in Poland indicate a high level of awareness regarding the negative impact of noise, coupled with a lack of systemic […]
Assessment of Factors affecting speech in ICU wards
Introduction Speech in the ICU affected Intensive care units (ICU) can be noisy and disruptive environments from both a patient recovery and workplace perspective, affecting speech intelligibility. Noise and poor ward acoustics have been linked to sleep disturbance and protracted recovery times in patients, as well as increasing workplace stress, fatigue and occupational burnout in […]
How noise affects decision-making
Noise has always been seen as a challenge in workplaces, but its impact on decision-making—especially in experience-based judgments—is not yet fully understood. This article looks at two research studies that explore how noise affects decision-making and the practical implications of their findings. Why room acoustics matter in decision making Efficient decision-making is essential in workplace […]
