Tips from an acoustics expert for a better sound environment at school

Tips from an acoustics expert for a better sound environment at school

Loud noises in schools have the potential to negatively affect the health and wellbeing of students and staff. So, it is crucial to make every effort to improve the learning environment at school. But how can you reduce the noise level? We consulted acoustics specialist Joachim Schubert from Akustikverkstan to learn how to soundproof schools and canteen areas.

Everyone wins with less noise at school

An intense sound environment at school not only has a negative impact on the students' health but also decreases their ability to learn and understand speech by causing headaches and stress. In addition, maintaining focus on schoolwork and hearing the teacher's voice in noisy environments can become difficult for students. Classrooms require good acoustics!

Teachers can also become stressed by loud noises. Research has shown that when noise levels go up, the heart rate increases, with blood pressure and adrenaline levels also rising. Loud noise over time can lead to both tinnitus and hearing loss. Therefore, it is important to actively work to improve the school's sound environment.

Tips for quieter classrooms 

Sound-absorbent fittings are needed in classrooms to lower noise levels when a lot of people are talking at the same time and to enable students to understand what the teacher is saying. If the students can easily hear the teacher's words, they will find learning easier and will also feel calmer. Good acoustics are also important for teachers' health because your heartrate can rise as noise levels increase.


1. It is a good idea to choose chairs with a skid frame because they make less noise than chairs with four legs. If that is not possible, put felt pads on the bottom of the chair legs to reduce the scraping sounds.

2. Tables with sound-absorbent tops are available.

3. Sound-absorbent panels at the same height as the blackboard help to break up the sound being reflected off the hard wall and make it easier for the teacher to speak and be heard. The panels should be positioned at the same height as the teacher's ear and should be at least 40 mm thick.

4. Fitting sound-absorbent panels on one of two opposite walls is an effective way of breaking up sound reflections in the room, which goes a long way towards creating a pleasant sound environment.

5. Open storage units help to spread sound effectively (while doors reflect sound). This type of furniture breaks up the reflections between the walls and directs the sound up into the absorbent ceiling panels.

6. Due to their size, upholstered sofas are very good at absorbing sound, particularly low-frequency sound, which prevents people from understanding what is being said. This is particularly helpful for students with hearing impairments and children who speak English as a second language. Upholstered pouffes also absorb sound.

Tips for a quieter dining area

Studies have shown that the senses of hearing and taste are connected. It's hard to enjoy your food properly in noisy environments. Students and staff need time to rest during their lunch break, so it is important for the school canteen to have a quiet and relaxing sound environment. 

1. It can be helpful to divide the room up with screens to reduce the spread of sound. Remember that for the screens to function, they must be both tall and sound-absorbent. This is because the sound will reflect off hard surfaces and travel through low screens.

2. It is a good idea to have upholstered sofas in the canteen because they absorb sound effectively.

3. Placing wall-mounted acoustic panels close to the source of the sound—the conversations carried on around the tables as well as the clatter of plates and cutlery—increases their effectiveness.

4.  A wall-mounted acoustic panel breaks up the sound reflected off hard walls and reduces the spread of noise from the kitchen. The panel should be at least 40 mm thick and positioned at ear height.

5. Curtains and heavy textiles work well as a complement to acoustic panels. They must be pleated so that two meters of fabric cover one meter of wall surface. They must also be hung a little way out from the wall or window.

6. Semi-cylindrical acoustic panels between the windows are both effective and decorative.

Need help? Ask our interior experts!

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