Noise control is an important consideration to allow students in a classroom setting hear the teacher or trainer correctly. In the classroom, noise control is often about the control of the noise related to the general pandemonium caused by the pupils. But here we're more interested in the voice of the teacher and the ability for the teacher to be heard by the pupils.
In certain situations, the level of reflected sound can have a poor effect on the acoustics in the room and this then affects the pupils' ability to learn. This reflected sound is called reverberation. In some situations reverberation is a positive effect and acoustic foam is not required. For example, in churches and concert halls high levels of reflected sound enhance the overall sound. But in a learning or training situation where the quality of the education depends on the teacher being heard by all pupils, then reverberation can be a big issue. Often it is one that is not addressed. Sometimes expensive education can be wasted to a degree as the message does not reach the student. It is particularly important for younger children who are at the stage of learning language and words. And it is also crucial for those who have hearing problems. But it is relevant across the board.
What is Acoustic Foam?
Acoustic foam is an open celled type of foam which is used to control and generally to reduce the noise levels and reverberation in a space. Reverberation is actually a measure of how long it takes for a sound to decay. That could by half a second in your home to perhaps 8 seconds in a large hall. So what can happen in a classroom with high reverberation is that what the teacher is saying currently is mixed in with the sound of what was previously said which has not yet disappeared.
The absorption co-efficient is a measure of how much sound is absorbed by a material. A surface that does not absorb any sound will have a co-efficient of 0, whereas a surface that absorbs a lot of sound would have a co-efficient approaching 1. It is in effect a measure of the acoustic energy absorbed.
Acoustic foam is generally applied to a wall to absorb the acoustic energy and reduce the reverberation in a space. It can also be applied to ceilings and doors and elsewhere and will come in a variety of thicknesses and colours. It often has fire retardant qualities also.
It works by attenuating sound waves in the air by increasing the air resistance. The effect of this is to reduce the amplitude of the waves and the energy is then dissipated as heat. Acoustic foam is used for acoustic enhancement in this acoustic absorption application. But it is also used for the opposite, that is to block sounds or as soundproofing.
In schools, it is generally the acoustic enhancement qualities that are required in order to improve speech clarity. However, in other situations blocking the sound is what is required. For example, music or television sound from next door.
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