Effects of Noise and Poor Acoustic Conditions on School Students

Abstract

This research is the effects of noise and poor sound conditions on school students. Good acoustics play an important role in the effectiveness of instructional spaces. Classrooms with excessive noise reverberation make it difficult for students to understand what is being taught . This spread of poor listening conditions in the classroom for several reasons, including the Schools site located near to noise sources which case high levels of noise come to school building from out side and internal noise generated from in side school building and long reverberation time . These problems have many effects on students on cognitive performance and health and have psychological effects as well. The methodology used in this research is descriptive analytical approach by collecting data and information from theoretical sources, such as books, references and publications of specialized societies (American Acoustic Society, Acoustics Institute, Voice Consultations Association), which sets the standard for audio design in schools. And previous studies and their close relationship and usefulness of research . The practical aspect through the measurement of the case study. The school of the African Council for Special Education Khartoum North Branch The study or measurement of two factors are sound level and reverberation time (RT) , which has a major effect on Speech intelligibility in the classroom. The sound level is measured by a TESTO 815 device to measure the volume . Several readings were taken from different points in the school. The measurements showed that the readings or sounds were increasing on the upper floors of the lower. Because the fence and the trees on the ground floor are like barriers. The readings of the ground floor within 60th and the first floor is higher than the ground in 65th and the second floor is the highest than them in 75th one of readers reached 78.7. And use acoustics calculator from Troldtekt for reverberation time calculation . The result was a long reverberation time compared to that allowed in classroom . According to these measurements an African council school branch Khartoum north doesn't provide the proper sound environment with a reverberation time and noise ratio suitable for students , Because school site located near to noise sources ( ALingaz street , Railway line track , Industrial area). The proposed solutions was add absorbent materials in the roof and walls of classrooms and also windows and doors with soundproofing or audio treatment because it transmits noise between the seasons. Also add sound barriers such as trees around the school to reduce noise.