Over the past 40 years, average noise levels in hospitals have increased by a full 15 decibels (dB) reaching levels of around 70 decibels. Exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 35 dB for a healing environment! Members of staff devote about 40 percent of their work time to communicating in one way or […]
noise
New digital magazine about healthcare acoustics
A new digital magazine about healthcare acoustics, the ECO for Sustainable Design – Healthcare edition, has recently been released. Available via Google Play (and soon App Store), this digital publication is choc-a-bloc with case studies from the healthcare sector. It can easily be shared with friends who work in healthcare professions and others interested in […]
School canteens in Sweden creating acoustical food for thought!
“After a full morning at work, would you choose to eat your lunch right beside a busy highway?” Perhaps there would not be many takers for a seating arrangement like this, however, a recent study by Sveriges Radio (SR – Sweden’s public service broadcasting organisation) showed that over one in four of the school canteens it tested had […]
Students and staff delighted as acoustics improves at the architectural college of Madrid
In an effort to improve the comfort, the students’ cafeteria at the architectural college of Madrid, ETSAM-UPM, was acoustically treated. Dr. César Diaz and his team at ETSAM-UPM, grabbed the opportunity to make measurements before and after, to quantify the improvement. Results showed that a large reduction of the reverberation time (from 2.3s to 0.8s) and an increase […]
Acoustics in schools a topic in Spain
A seminar focused on the benefits of good acoustics in schools was held in Madrid. It was called “Sound Education – Acoustic design in educational spaces” and was co-hosted by Ecophon and Iberacustica. The speakers were Ricardo Canto Leyton and Ignacio Ordóñez. Ricardo held two presentations, the first one explaining basic concepts of acoustics, and […]
A literary smorgasbord on sound and noise
A selection of books on sound and noise. Here are some examples of books that have been published over the last years on noise and sound. Noise action week provides you with a literary smorgasbord! http://www.noiseactionweek.org.uk/five-noise-books-quiet-bank-holiday-read Why Noise Matters – John Stewart et al, 2011 Discord – Dr Mike Goldsmith, 2012 The Great Animal Orchestra […]
The sound or noise of church bells!
The bells at a Liskeard church in United Kingdom are affecting the peace and quiet of the town. People complain that the bells are rung too often and are too loud – some 85 decibels. Church leaders counterattack and say the regular rhythmic chimes help make Liskeard special. It seems that church bells are not […]
Noise and disease symposium – what we know and what we need to know
Acoustic Bulletin would like to highlight a symposium on noise and disease arranged by the Sound Environment Center at Lund University on 12 april 2013. The symposium aims to give an updated overview of recent research on health issues in connection with noise exposure and cardiovascular diseases. It will feature several key researchers in the […]
Urban sounds and noise not new but an increasing problem
A recent BBC article discussed our early understanding of the disturbance of unwanted sounds from Roman times up to and including today where you can watch a short film where Prof. Bridget Shield of London South Bank University (LSBU) and the current President of the Institute of Acoustics in the UK and Charles Dance also […]
The 18th Annual International Noise Awareness Day – April 25!
The 18th Annual International Noise Awareness Day will take place April 25 (2012). Global efforts to promote awareness of the dangers of long-term exposure to noise will be highlighted in many countries. Perhaps there is an activity close to you? Check out what organizations and concerned individuals around the world will do for the health […]
