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Practice Standards & Resources Classroom AcousticsHow room acoustics affect listening and learning — and what educational audiologists can do about it. Evidence base for classroom design and remediation. Three Resources to Look at FirstKey Points at a GlanceNoise Compounds Hearing LossBackground noise hurts every learner — and disproportionately impacts students with hearing differences. ANSI/ASA Standards ExistNational acoustic standards for classrooms are well established — but rarely enforced without advocacy. Reverberation Is Often OverlookedHard surfaces, open plans, and large rooms create reverberation that degrades speech clarity. Small Changes HelpSoft seating, rugs, and curtains can meaningfully improve a classroom — even on a tight budget. EAA Position Statements and StandardsNo EAA position statement on this topic yet — see EAA Resources below for foundational guidance. EAA Practical Tools & ResourcesEAA RESOURCE MEMBERS ONLY
Classroom Acoustics and Hearing: Essentials to LearningEAA's flagship advocacy doc on classroom acoustics. Log in to access. EAA PAGE
The Importance of Good Classroom AcousticsPublic-facing summary suitable for sharing with administrators. EAA Research & EvidencePeer-reviewed articles from the Journal of Educational, Pediatric & (Re)Habilitative Audiology. JEPRA
Background Noise & Reverberation in Elementary ClassroomsLubisich Nelson, Smaldino, Erler, & Garstecki External ResourcesExternal links are informational and not endorsements. EXTERNAL · ASHA
Improving Classroom AcousticsASHA's family- and educator-friendly remediation guidance. EXTERNAL · ASA
Acoustical Society of America: Classroom AcousticsOwners of the ANSI/ASA S12.60 classroom-acoustics standard. EXTERNAL · ANDERSON
Success for Kids with Hearing LossKaren L. Anderson — practitioner-built resource on classroom listening strategies. EXTERNAL · ANDERSON
Classroom Acoustical Screening Survey WorksheetTiered worksheet to screen noise/reverberation against ANSI/ASA S12.60 (Handbook Appendix 7–B). Listen Carefully Listening conditions matter — for every student in the room.Equip yourself with evidence to push for better classroom acoustics — for D/HH students, students with attention differences, and every other learner. Members-Only Discussion In the EAA CommunityEAA members are talking about classroom acoustics on the listserv. Recent threads include:
Related TopicsAmplification & Hearing Technology ›Tech that supplements better acoustics. Advocacy & Program Justification ›Acoustic advocacy is often a leading-edge issue. Noise & Hearing Loss Prevention ›Classroom and community noise are connected. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the recommended acoustic targets?ANSI/ASA S12.60 sets specific targets for background noise (35 dBA) and reverberation time (≤ 0.6 seconds for typical classrooms). EAA's classroom acoustics document walks through application. How do I measure classroom acoustics?Sound-level meters (smartphone apps work for screening) measure background noise. Reverberation time requires more specialized equipment but can be estimated from room characteristics. What's reverberation and why does it matter?Reverberation is sound persisting in a room after the source stops. Excessive reverberation smears speech sounds together, degrading clarity for everyone — and disproportionately affecting D/HH students. What low-cost fixes can help?Soft seating, area rugs, curtains, acoustic ceiling tiles, and bookshelves all add absorption. HVAC and lighting noise reduction also helps. Sound-field amplification is a higher-investment option. Have a resource to suggest?Help us keep this page current. EAA members are invited to suggest additions. |
