Noise levels in New Zealand junior classrooms: their impact on hearing and teaching.

AIMS: To observe the acoustic conditions present in classrooms populated by the 5 to 7 year old age group, and investigate the level of understanding amongst primary school teachers of classroom acoustics and otitis media with effusion.

METHODS

Fifty one primary schools in the Wellington region were visited. Acoustic conditions were observed in 106 classrooms. 149 questionnaires were given to the teachers. Sound level readings were taken during normal school activities. Teacher's voice and background noise measurements were recorded. The signal to noise (S/N) ratios obtained were analysed in conjunction with the acoustic conditions observed.

RESULTS

The median S/N ration was +6dB. This is a poor S/N ratio. Analysis revealed that poor S/N ratios were associated with a high background noise level and multifunctional teaching activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The acoustic conditions in the majority of classrooms studied were unacceptable.