Classroom Acoustics Resources

ASHA Practice Policy Documents

• Acoustics in Educational Settings: Position Statement (2005)
• Acoustics in Educational Settings: Technical Report (2005)
• Appropriate School Facilities for Students With Speech-Language-Hearing Disorders – Technical Report (2002)
• Guidelines for Addressing Acoustics in Educational Settings (2005)
• Guidelines for Audiology Service Provision in and for Schools (2002)

ANSI S12.60-2002

• American National Standard Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools (Free download of the ANSI S12.60-2002 standard)

Information from ASHA Sources

• Unilateral Hearing Loss in Children: Guidance for Parents and Caregivers - public Web page including a section on "listening friendly" classrooms
• Let the Word Be Heard: Be an Advocate for Good Classroom Acoustics (The ASHA Leader)

Journal Articles

• Knecht, H. A., Nelson, P. B., Whitelaw, G. M., & Feth, L. L. (2002). Background Noise Levels and Reverberation Times in Unoccupied Classrooms Predictions and Measurements. American Journal of Audiology, 11, 65-71.
• Nelson, P. B., & Soli, S. (2000). Acoustical Barriers to Learning: Children at Risk in Every Classroom. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 31, 356-361.
• Palmer, C. V. (1997). Hearing and Listening in a Typical Classroom. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 28, 213-218.
• Palmer, C. V. (1998). Quantification of the Ecobehavioral Impact of a Soundfield Loudspeaker System in Elementary Classrooms. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 41, 819-833.
• Seibein, G. W., Gold, M. A., Siebein, G. W., & Ermann, M. G. (2000). Ten Ways to Provide a High-Quality Acoustical Environment in Schools. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 31, 376-384.
• Smaldino, J. J., & Crandell, C. C. (2000). Classroom Amplification Technology: Theory and Practice. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 31, 371-375.

Related Links for Classroom Acoustics

• Classroom Acoustics Coalition on Facebook
• Classroom Acoustics Yahoo group
• Healthy Youth! CDC Web page on noise-induced hearing loss
• National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities
• Northern Illinois University Web module to educate teachers about classroom acoustics 
• Quiet Classrooms Noise Pollution Clearinghouse
• Quiet Classrooms Web page on Americans with Disabilities Act and hearing impaired students
• The Institute for Enhanced Classroom Hearing