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ASA Publishes Classroom
Acoustics Standard
Acoustical performance is an important consideration in
the design of classrooms. Research indicates that high levels
of background noise adversely affect learning environments,
particularly for children with hearing loss. Children with
speech impairments or learning disabilities are also
significantly affected. A new standard for classroom
acoustics, which takes into account children with hearing
loss, is now available from the Acoustical Society of America
(ASA). ASA developed the standard through a working group that
represented various interests and experts in the field. The
Board helped sponsor the work of this group and expanded its
membership.
The standard was developed under approval procedures of the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a non-profit
organization that coordinates voluntary consensus standards in
the U.S. The approved standard, known as the ANSI S12.60-2002
American National Standard Acoustical Performance Criteria,
Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools, sets specific
criteria for maximum background noise (35 decibels) and
reverberation (0.6 to 0.7 seconds for unoccupied classrooms).
These and other specifications are consistent with
long-standing recommendations for good practice in acoustical
design. Taken by itself, the standard is voluntary unless
referenced by a code, ordinance, or regulation. However,
school systems may require compliance with the standard as
part of their construction documents for new schools, thus
making the design team responsible for addressing the issues.
Copies of the standard can be ordered through the ASA's
website at http://asa.aip.org
or by contacting ASA at (631) 390-0215 (phone), (631) 390-0217
(fax), or
mailto:asastds@aip.org (e-mail).
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