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White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA

CLASSROOM ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS

Acoustics is an important consideration in the design of classrooms. Research shows that high levels of background noise adversely affect learning, especially for children with hearing loss. Children with speech impairments or learning disabilities are also significantly affected.

Acoustics standards for background noise and reverberation, which take into account children with hearing loss, may be adopted soon as part of the International Building Code (IBC). The US Access Board, which is responsible for developing and maintaining accessibility standards as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act, worked with the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) on the guidelines. The standard removes acoustical barriers to learning. It provides equal access to education for children who have mild to moderate hearing loss, learning or attention deficits; suffer from frequent ear infections or who have limited English language skills. For teachers, the standard means reduced stress and voice strain. The recommendations call for a maximum background noise of 35 decibels and maximum reverberation time of 0.6 to 0.7 seconds.

This standard will be voluntary unless it is incorporated into a code, ordinance or regulation. If the proposals are incorporated into the IBC, the classroom acoustical requirements will become part of the building codes in those jurisdictions that use the IBC or its member codes. Some school systems may make compliance to the standard a requirement for new construction

If the standards are not accepted, the Access Board is likely to develop acoustics standards on its own that would become part of its ADA Accessibility Guidelines.

The ASA standards can be ordered through the ASA website at:

http://asa.aip.org or by phone at 631.390-0215

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