Acoustic Consultants - What Do We Do?
From noise & vibration control to acoustic assessments for planning applications - and much more!
Acoustic Consultants are known by many different names, noise consultants, sound engineers, NVH engineers and any combination of the above.
Acousticians are involved in many aspects of day-to-day life, even when it is not immediately obvious.
NCSL Noise Consultants are based in Manchester, Liverpool and across the North West.
Environmental Noise
The most common role of an acoustic consultant is related to environmental noise and planning applications. In this situation, it is the responsibility of the consultant to assess the likely impact of proposed noise sources upon the local environment. This can then be passed on to the Local Authority for a decision to be made on the application. Generally, this type of work follows the guidance of British Standard 4142 or BS4142, however there are situations where this standard cannot be applied. In this situation, the consultant will have to use other guidance documents.
Sound Insulation Testing
Another fairly common job for acoustic consultants is relating to sound insulation testing and design. All new or converted residential premises fall under the scope of Building Regulation Approved Document E – which requires separating walls and floors meet defined sound insulation requirements. Noise consultants can help in the early stages of developments by providing acoustic design advice, ensuring that issues do not arise later in the project. Similarly, acoustic consultants will also be required to complete pre-completion testing, which is effectively a sound test once the development is complete. This testing is conducted using specialised acoustic test equipment and must be undertaken by competent acoustic engineers.
New Housing Developments
New housing developments in noisy areas are also a prime example of areas in which acoustic consultants work. British Standard 8233 or BS8233 defines appropriate noise levels within dwellings and noise consultants help to ensure these internal noise level are met. Generally, a noise survey would be conducted at the proposed development site, with subsequent calculations and noise modelling conducted. Noise consultants can then define appropriate glazing and ventilation specifications to ensure that BS8233 requirements are met within the homes.
Speech Intelligibility
In spaces where sound quality and intelligibility is important, such as offices, music venues, stadiums etc, acoustic consultants will be required in order to control reverberation. This is the effect of multiple acoustic reflections and echos, which can cause issues with speech and music intelligibility. Noise consultants will define the internal materials and finishes which are required in order to meet the required levels of reverberation.
Event Noise Monitoring
For live music events and festivals, music noise level monitoring will often be required, especially in residential areas. This is another job for sound engineers. In most cases, the procedure for this type of noise monitoring will follow the method defined by The Noise Council. This involves the completion of a background noise survey before the event, and the setting of a robust music noise level (MNL) based on several factors including the duration of the event, the setting and the frequency of evets. The acoustic consultant would then monitor the MNL during the event, and feedback to the organiser in real-time if the defined noise limits are being exceeded.
Noise at Work
In workplaces, acoustic consultants are used to comply with Noise at Work regulations. These regulations define the noise levels that employees can be exposed to safely. It also defines the noise levels at which training, signage and even hearing protection must be provided to staff members. Noise engineers would usually visit the workplace in question and conduct noise measurements of all processes and operations. Employees daily noise dose can then be calculated. This will then define if any acoustic protection is needed for staff.
Sound Power Assessment
Less commonly, acoustic engineers are involved in sound power assessments for consumer and white goods. Often, these acoustic measurements are conducted in specialist test rooms called anechoic chambers. These have low background noise levels and no acoustic reflections. These sound power ratings can then be used by customers to directly compare against alternative products. This gives a true reflection of the noise output of rival devices. These sound power ratings are found on all sorts of products, from fridges to hairdryers, car tyres and even wheelie bins have them.
Acoustic Product Development
In the background, acoustic engineers are heavily involved in product development. Whether this is for audio system, consumer goods or even automotive manufacturers. Acoustic engineers will be involved at some point during the development. This is to ensure that customers do not experience high noise levels or unpleasant sounds when using the company’s products.
In summary, acoustic consultants are critical in many different areas, even where it is not obvious that noise would be an issue. If you feel that NCSL can be of assistance to your projects, whatever that may be, then please feel free to reach out.