Hidden Acoustic Pitfalls When Installing Audiometric Rooms in Hospitals ─ What to Watch for During Design and Construction ─

Introduction | Hospitals Aren’t Always as Quiet as They Seem

Hospitals are often perceived as quiet places, but in reality, they are filled with various noise sources—from HVAC systems and elevators to conversations and equipment alarms.
When installing an audiometric room (such as for pure-tone audiometry or hearing aid fitting) within a hospital, it’s essential to recognize and address potential acoustic pitfalls that may compromise testing accuracy.

This article outlines three commonly overlooked noise risks during planning and construction, along with practical countermeasures for each.

Pitfall 1: Ambient Noise from Surrounding Hospital Areas

● Overlooked Noise Sources

• Elevator systems and pneumatic tube transport 
• Outdoor HVAC units and electrical rooms 
• Foot traffic, waiting areas, and staff workstations 

These can all lead to higher-than-expected ambient noise levels, especially during daytime measurements.

● Recommendations

• Choose a location away from elevators, equipment rooms, and major traffic routes 
• Consider floating floor structures or standalone sound-isolation booths 
• Perform post-construction verification using A-weighted and 1/3-octave band measurements 

Pitfall 2: Structure-Borne Noise Transmission

● The Hidden Impact of Building Structure

Footsteps on upper floors, rolling beds, or cart movement can transmit vibration through floors, walls, and beams, creating structure-borne noise.
Unlike airborne noise, this type is difficult to detect in advance and even harder to fix later.

● Recommendations

• Use massive walls and decoupled (floating) floors to break vibration paths 
• Prioritize sound insulation rather than relying solely on absorption 
• Physically distance the test room from high-traffic shared spaces when possible 

Pitfall 3: Low-Frequency HVAC and Ventilation Noise

● Subtle but Disruptive Airflow Sounds

Since audiometric rooms are enclosed, ventilation and air conditioning are essential—but these systems can introduce fan hum, duct resonance, and airflow noise, all of which interfere with hearing tests.

● Recommendations

• Use perforated diffusers and acoustic return grilles at air outlets 
• Design ducts with built-in silencers and acoustic bends 
• Consider enclosing air handling units in sound-isolating enclosures or placing them in separate rooms 

Conclusion | Quietness Requires More Than Just Design

Successfully building an audiometric room within a hospital depends not only on acoustic design, but also on site-specific noise adaptation.
Understanding facility operations, noise timing, and real-world conditions is critical. Measurement, feedback, and adjustment throughout the process help ensure the space meets the required standards.

At Enclosure Co., Ltd., we offer full solutions including site noise assessment, ambient noise and K2 testing, and soundproof construction tailored for medical environments.
If you’re planning an audiometric room within a hospital, feel free to reach out for technical consultation at any stage.