The knowledge and skills that Acoustic Associates provides in its consulting services
encapsulates the unique blend of the distinct scientific fields of
Audiology
(the science of hearing) and
Acoustics
(the science of sound). Our understanding
of both these scientific fields gives our clients a unique advantage to assess
and solve problems in a comprehensive and practical manner. We work as a team member
with clients to develop multi-faceted solutions that address the sound field (acoustics)
and the listener’s perception (audiology). This approach ultimately leads to a
better real-world solution than addressing only one facet of a problem.
Acoustic Associates offers consulting services to many types of organizations,
professional firms, and industries. Our knowledge of both audiology and acoustics
enables us to provide a broad scope of services and makes us especially suited to
handle unique cases. If you think we might be able to help you, we probably can.
Call (847-359-1068) or
Contact Us
to
discuss your issue and find out how we can help you!
We have vast experience in conducting a number of different acoustical field tests.
Generally these field tests are performed to determine how best to redesign the
particular element of concern. However, we can also do design work for new construction
using our experience and the results of research reports we have access to. Some of
the common testing and design areas we have worked in are:
- Wall or Façade Isolation (STC testing)
- Floor Isolation (IIC testing)
- Speech Privacy (HIPAA)
- Environmental Noise (Annoyance)
- Reverberation (Absorption testing)
- Room Noise (speech communication)
- Product Noise (sound quality)
Surveys are a critical inspection of the acoustic characteristics of a given area.
Normally this means evaluating the noise in a plant to assess Occupational Noise
Exposure and design a hearing conservation program (for
OSHA,
), or for the purpose
of Noise Control in the facility.
We have worked with a number of municipalities to help with their noise issues in a
variety of ways. In fact we are in the process of developing a 1-day Municipalities
Seminar aimed at helping municipal officials address the different noise issues they
are faced with. Some areas we commonly help with are:
- Environmental Noise Codes
- Building Noise Isolation Codes
- Zoning Issues
- Noise Annoyance problems
Our substantial experience in both Audiology and Acoustics gives us the
combined expertise to offer one-stop forensic consulting. This saves money
in many cases and in other cases offers consistency in testimony while s
erving as an Expert Witness. Some of the specific areas we have worked
as expert witnesses include (but are not limited to):
- Zoning Issues
- Noise Annoyance Issues
- Audible Warning/Alert Issues
- Workman’s Compensation
In addition to our Hearing Conservation and Audiometric Testing (
CAOHC
) Seminars,
we offer various consulting services in the area of hearing conservation. We can
offer guidance in running a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) in the areas specific
to
OSHA,
or the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (
CAOHC
).
We can also offer Audiometric Supervision and Audiogram Review.
Sound Transmission Class (STC) testing is used to determine the ability
of a barrier to block air-borne noise. This test therefore is a good
representation of the performance of a particular wall or façade design
at isolating speech, music, road noise, or other types of noise. The
field STC test (FSTC) standards we follow for this are
ASTM E336-08
and
ASTM E413-04
.
Impact Isolation Class (IIC) testing is used to determine the ability of a
floor/ceiling system to block structure-borne noise. This test therefore is
a good representation of the performance of a particular floor/ceiling system
at stopping noise from people walking, things being dragged, and many other
types of floor impact type of noise. The field IIC test (
FIIC) standards we follow for this are
ASTM E1007-04e1
and
ASTM E413-04
.