The different types of sound...
Sound can be categorized into two forms: airborne noise and impact noise. It is crucial to understand the difference between the two, as each presents its own challenges. Products designed to reduce airborne noise may not necessarily reduce impact noise. Therefore, when planning new construction projects such as homes, student accommodations, or healthcare facilities, it is important to consider the distinction. By doing so, decision-makers can better manage acoustics.
Impact noise occurs from physical impacts on buildings or solid materials, such as footfall or banging doors. This type of noise is difficult to isolate as both sides of the building element vibrate, generating sound waves. Acoustic flooring can help reduce impact sound.
Airborne noise, on the other hand, includes noises like TV sounds, conversations, and barking dogs. This noise travels through the air and can either reflect off surfaces or be absorbed by dense materials. It can also travel through building structures, increasing noise levels when reflected and reducing noise when absorbed.
What happens to Sound when it meets an Obstacle?
Sound is Reflected ...
Sound reflects off flat, rigid surfaces like concrete or brick walls, creating an echo as the sound wave is bounced back on itself due to the surface's mass.
Sound is Absorbed...
Acoustic absorption is when a material, structure, or object takes in sound energy instead of reflecting it, with part of the absorbed energy turning into heat and part being transmitted through the absorber.
Sound Transmission...
Airborne transmission occurs when noise in one room causes air pressure waves to vibrate a wall or structure nearby.
Negative impacts of noise on healthcare environment:
Noise can increase anxiety in patients, drive up nursing calls and pain medication requests, slow recovery rates, and lengthen hospital stays.
Negative impacts of noise on classrooms:
Excessive noise reduces the ability to hear lessons clearly, leading to poorer academic performance, and can cause distractions, learning difficulties, and stress in both students and teachers.
The cost of noise:
Noise pollution can lead to reduced productivity, increased healthcare expenses, and diminished quality of life, costing American businesses billions of dollars per year.
Negative impacts of noise in multi-unit housing:
Close-quarters living in condos and apartments can lead to heightened stress, sleep disturbance, and health issues due to increased noise pollution from neighbors. Creating a peaceful living environment is essential for overall well-being.
Reduce Reflected Sound...
Sound waves create echoes when they hit flat, rigid surfaces with a lot of mass that do not allow the wave to penetrate, causing it to bounce back and create the echo.
Absorb Sound...
Acoustic absorption involves absorbing sound energy rather than reflecting it.
Block Sound Transmission...
Airborne transmission causes vibrations on one side of a wall due to air pressure waves from a noise source in a room.
