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Noise and Sound Monitoring

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Noise and Sound Monitoring

Noise and sound monitoring in indoor spaces is essential for ensuring occupant comfort, productivity, and well-being. By continuously measuring sound levels, facilities managers can identify and mitigate sources of excessive noise, such as HVAC systems, equipment, or adjacent activities, reducing distractions and improving concentration. Real-time monitoring also allows for prompt intervention in noisy environments, preserving a peaceful atmosphere conducive to work, learning, or relaxation.

Monitoring noise levels helps ensure compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines for indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Additionally, data from sound monitoring supports the design and layout of spaces to optimize acoustics, enhancing communication and minimizing reverberation or echo. Ultimately, by prioritizing noise monitoring, organizations can create indoor environments that foster comfort, productivity, and satisfaction among occupants.

Acoustic Measurement

These measurements are designed to give users more information about the noise in the environment, than just the typical decibel levels. Examples can include Reverberation tests (RT60), room criterion curves (NC, RC, etc...), Octave Band analysis. These measurements can help implement the best noise control strategies to fit your application.

Advanced Acoustic Sensor Technology

Developing and deploying advanced acoustic sensors capable of accurately measuring and analyzing noise levels in real-time. This includes researching sensor sensitivity, precision, and integration with IoT systems for continuous monitoring, as well as exploring new technologies like MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) for compact and efficient noise monitoring solutions.

Noise Mitigation Strategies and Technologies

Evaluating and implementing effective noise mitigation strategies and technologies to improve indoor acoustic environments. This encompasses the design and use of sound-absorbing materials, noise-canceling systems, and architectural modifications. Research also includes developing guidelines and best practices for noise control in various indoor settings, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing occupant satisfaction.

Room Criterion Curve Families

Criterion curves is a good way to option to display and record a selection of spectral curves for use in room and building acoustic measurements and noise control engineering. The objective of a criterion curve is to specify the ambient noise in a room or environment with a single number or statement. Types of Criterion Curves include:
•   Noise Criterion Curves (NC)
•   Preferred Noise Criterion Curves (PNC)
•   Room Criterion Curves (RC)
•   Balanced Noise Criterion Curves (NCB)
•   Noise Rating Curves (NR)

Speech Intelligibility

Speech Transmission Index (STI) used to evaluate and classify speech intelligibility dependent of background noise level. STI is the standardized measurement in the IEC 60268-16:1998 standard.
STI refers to the amount of modulation preserved in the broadcasting of an artificial speech signal through an alarm system. The intelligibility measurement is a single value between zero and one, which factors in corruption of speech, with modulating speech frequencies over octave bands between 125 Hz to 8 kHz.

Audiometric Background Curves

An audiometric testing is essential to help establish employees baseline of hearing, and The TSI Quest SoundPro SE/DL series supports the following two types of audiometric test room sound level curves:
• Audiometric Test Room Background Sound Level Curves (OSHA) which compares the ambient noise readings to the maximum permissible ambient noise levels (MPANLs) at 500 Hz, 1K, 4K, 8K as specified by the OSHA Hearing Conservation Amendment (1983).
• Audiometric Test Room Background Sound Level Curves (ANSI) which compares the ambient noise to selectable criterions specified in ANSI S3.1-1999 and allows for a variety of audiometric earphones using 1/1 and 1/3 octave band analysis.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How do I monitor noise in my workspace?

To monitor noise in your workspace, use a sound level meter or a noise dosimeter. These devices measure sound levels in decibels (dB) and can provide real-time data. Many advanced models offer data logging, integration with mobile apps, and the ability to set alerts for when noise levels exceed safe limits. Some models also offer accoustic curve revervberation curves features

Q. What application is each criterion curve used for?

The SoundPro Models SE/DL support a family of criterion curve families which are explained below.
Noise Criterion Curves (NC) – uses a tangency method and is typically used for HVAC room or building acoustic comparisons.
Preferred Noise Criterion Curves (PNC) – uses a tangency method but accounts for lower frequencies compared with the NC method.
Room Criterion Curves (RC) –calculates a numerical rating based on speech interference and indicates any interference such as hissing, rumbling, or vibration.
Balanced Noise Criterion Curves (NCB) –are one of the newer methods that indicate interference from rumble, rattle, and hiss.
Noise Rating Curves (NR) – used primarily in Europe, Australia, and other country’s room and building acoustic measurements, HVAC studies, machine noise evaluations, and for some community noise enforcement applications.

Q. How do I turn on octave band analysis, and what is it telling me?

The octave band analysis is a filtering method that allows you to identify different noise levels across individual frequencies. This can help you identify the frequencies responsible for each individual noise levels. Industrial hygienists, safety comities and engineering can use the information to help design and implement a more effective hearing conservation program.

Q. How to run a reverberation test?

There are a couple factors to consider when conducting a reverberation test. Depending on if you will be measuring voice in a room, hall, theatre (etc.), ISO 3382 standard recommends measuring reverberation time for speech from 63 HZ to 4 kHz. However for rooms with other intentions (i.e., music/acoustical concerts), one-third octave bands from 100 Hz to 5 kHz can be used/applied. ISO 3382 also recommends a minimum number of recorded studies in order to obtain a reliable reverb measurement session. This is done for two reasons:

- Because the test signal is random noise, there will be a bit of run-to-run variance. By taking a number of measurements from the same location and averaging them together, you get a more reliable estimate of the actual measurement

- Because the acoustics in a room may vary, it is suggested to do spatial averaging - taking measurements from multiple locations in the room and average them together to get an average measurement for the room.

Understanding the Significance of Sound and Noise

Indoor Environmental Quality

The acoustic environment within a building significantly impacts our well-being, productivity, and overall comfort. Building standards emphasize the importance of IEQ when assessing building performance.

Featured Resources

What is IEQ?

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Noise and Sound Monitoring

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