Effects of Classroom Acoustics on Teachers' Voices. Issue 3 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rantala, Leena M.; Sala, Eeva
• Is Part Of: Building acoustics. Volume 22:Issue 3/4(2015)
• Page Start: 243
• Page End: 258
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Voice -- Teacher -- Classroom Acoustics -- Noise; Soundproofing -- Periodicals; Architectural acoustics -- Periodicals; Acoustical engineering -- Periodicals; Acoustical engineering; Architectural acoustics; Soundproofing; Periodicals; 693.834
• DOI: 10.1260/1351-010X.22.3-4.243
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-010X

Abstract

The aim of the study was to research associations between classroom acoustic parameters and teachers' voice use and vocal health (N = 40). From voice samples, sound pressure level (SPL), fundamental frequency ( F 0 ), and the tilt of spectrum slope were analysed. Information on voice symptoms was collected by means of questionnaires. Room acoustic variables were reverberation times (T60, EDT), sound attenuation (DL2 ) and parameters measuring how well speech is perceived (C50, D50, STI). The associations between the variables were studied for the whole group and separately for quiet and noisy classrooms. The results showed that all the room acoustic variables measured correlated with a teacher's voice variables. Voice SPL was influential especially in the noisy classrooms and F0 in the quiet classes. A teacher's vocal health was poorer if the room acoustic variables indicated better listening conditions. The findings suggest that good listening conditions do not necessarily imply good speaking conditions in classrooms.