Noise in hospitals Noise levels have steadily increased in hospitals over the last >40 years, both daytime and nighttime [1]. The noise level in operating rooms can be particularly difficult and research shows that this may affect the ability of the staff to perceive proper oral instruction; it also affects their perceived stress and well-being. […]
room acoustics
Prevent arousals and awakenings in hospitals
In search of a noisy environment? Visit a hospital. Studies show that noise levels are high due to operational activities, communication, alarms, and noise from medical equipment, along with structural sounds from the building (such as ventilation and closing doors). Already back in 1859, nurse Florence Nightingale declared how “unnecessary noise is the cruelest abuse of […]
Multipurpose spaces function much better for their activities after acoustic improvements
The Municipal Music School of Pinto, in Madrid was in need of improving the acoustics of its facilities in order to further motivate its students and offer teachers a healthier work environment. More specifically, a multipurpose room as well as the entrance hall were treated with “Class A” absorbing acoustic solutions acoustic solutions. The latter […]
The impact of noise in education – a research summary
This new research summary is now available and lifts out evidence from a variety of research studies around the world. These studies address a broad range of important aspects which need to be considered in learning environments. It is based on a recent extensive literature review by Professor Emerita Bridget Shield made for Ecophon. We […]
A good hospital is well built!
The population is aging, we are living longer and new methods of treatment are constantly emerging. Growth is sought in the productivity of nursing care and the skills it requires will be more demanding. This creates pressure to build resilient, functional, and technology-efficient hospital buildings with a long technical lifespan. Good facilities, their indoor climate, […]
Groundbreaking initiative from Quiet Mark with new Acoustics Academy launch
During the Surface Design Awards 2020 at the Business Design Centre in London, Quiet Mark launched their new Acoustics Academy. with a TED-style master-class event. The Acoustics Academy is a new online platform. which is intended to further equip and empower architects, builders and designers with an expertly verified guide of leading acoustic solutions for […]
Is it really possible to predict the room acoustic values in a non-diffuse room?
We made acoustic measurements as part of a remodelling of our training area at our head offices during the different phases of the acoustic treatment in the refurbishment. This is outlined in a previous Acoustic Bulletin post which highlighted the need for wall absorbers to remove the flutter echos, thus reducing the reverberation time and […]
Reverberation room vs Anechoic Chamber
Here is a short film where our editor Juan Negreira demonstrates some aspects around the acoustic free field, and the broad range of acoustic dynamics which can be found between two acoustic opposites. This is a chance to experience and share difference between being inside a room coated with highly absorptive material versus in a […]
Designing out “Chinook” flutter echoes in speech communication rooms
In September, it was a pleasure to present a work in progress “Optimising the acoustic design for a multi-purpose room used for speech communication activities” at ICA 2019 in Aachen. One of our inhouse head office rooms recently remodelled to accommodate a mixture of training functions. The sound environment for a room designed for speech […]
Find out what a room can sound like – with the Ecophon Acoustic Calculator
Today almost all room acoustic calculations are based on the Sabine formula. Even though it is known that you often get different values when you compare calculations with actual measurements in a room. Therefore, Ecophon has developed a calculator in which the intention is to have more accurate acoustic values before measurements. The Ecophon Acoustic Calculator is […]
