Guest post by Deniss Mironovs, acoustic consultant at Akukon / Researcher at RTU / PhD Introduction Speech Intelligibility is one of the main attributes of a well-functioning classroom or auditorium. It is widely known, that learning outcomes depend on the acoustical conditions of the classrooms. Common practice is to use reverberation time RT as a […]
speech clarity
Classroom Noise: How Activities Shape the Sound Environment
A guest post by Chiara Visentin, a researcher at the University of Ferrara, Italy Background While noise sources like traffic or ventilation systems can contribute to classroom acoustics, in primary schools the dominant and most persistent sound is the students’ own activity and communication. Talking, moving, shifting chairs and desks all contribute to a highly dynamic […]
Evaluation and optimization of acoustic comfort in restaurant environments: the case of Oasis Sapori Antichi
Acoustic comfort is a crucial factor in the environmental quality of restaurant spaces. This study presents the case of the Michelin-starred restaurant Oasis Sapori Antichi in Vallesaccarda (AV), which underwent a targeted acoustic optimization intervention. Preliminary acoustic measurements revealed non-compliant values for reverberation time (RT), clarity index (C50), and speech transmission index (STI). Following the […]
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 […]
Acoustic refurbishment of a Dementia Assessment Clinic
Increased need for Dementia Clinics Demographic changes across the globe lead to higher life expectancy in general and we are facing a future where people live longer than before. We have more and more patients of higher age in our healthcare facilities, as well as Dementia Clinic, today than we used to and we need […]
The Impact of Ceiling Profiles on Room Acoustics
Introduction The project aims to explore an underutilized aspect of acoustic optimization: the geometric design of ceilings profiles. While material-based solutions have been extensively studied and implemented, ceiling geometry offers a largely untapped opportunity. Research has consistently shown that ceilings significantly influence room acoustics. However, they are often treated as static, planar elements designed primarily […]
Inter-Noise 2024: Healthcare Acoustics
It was with great pleasure we visited this years Inter-Noise in beautiful Nantes in France. Nantes is especially know for being the birthplace of Jules Verne, master of adventure who was also a poet and one of France’s most prolific authors of all time, with a specific interest in science. Some 1800 acousticians and researchers […]
People’s preferences of sound
Knowledge of the relation between people’s preferences and room acoustic parameters is critical for choosing the correct acoustic treatment and for creating good sound environments for people. In the frame of a PhD, people’s preferences regarding different acoustic environments were investigated. Their judgments were related to various room acoustics parameters. The results from the study […]
Acoustical effects of face masks on Speech Perception
The recent pandemic gave rise to the use of face masks, however, most people found it difficult to wear a mask. As per recent research in 2020 and 2021: However, the global rise in cases proved that masks helped to reduce the cases and prevent fatalities. It also gave mental satisfaction to professionals returning to […]
I LISTEN project harnesses acoustics for special education needs (SEN)
IO ASCOLTO (I LISTEN) is an innovative research project tested in Turin to improve children’s learning abilities at school and intended to combat specific learning disorders experienced by children with special education needs (SEN) such as dyslexia – the inability to read words and texts quickly and correctly – which, according to AID (Italian Dyslexia […]
