Redesigning Silence: How to Succeed with Audiometry Room Renovations – Maximizing sound isolation performance under structural and budget constraints –

◆ Renovation Isn’t Ideal—But Sometimes It’s Necessary

In some medical facilities, new construction simply isn’t an option.
Space limitations, budget concerns, or building restrictions may lead to a decision to renovate an existing room for use as an audiometry suite.

But here’s the challenge: audiometry rooms require an exceptional level of quiet—often under 20 dB of background noise.
Meeting this standard in a renovation setting requires a clear understanding of the common pitfalls and an evidence-based acoustic strategy.

◆ 3 Overlooked Sources of Noise in Renovation Projects

1. Structural Transmission Through Ceilings and Beams

Even with high-performance walls, sound can still enter the room through shared structural elements like beams, ceilings, or utility shafts.

One of the most common issues is noise leakage through above-ceiling spaces or vertical ducts that connect other rooms or floors.

▶ Solution: Identify hidden transmission paths and apply localized soundproofing and vibration isolation techniques.

2. HVAC Noise That Wasn’t Designed to Be Quiet

Pre-existing ventilation systems often aren’t quiet enough for audiometric testing.
Common issues include excess airflow noise, mechanical vibration, and lack of fine air volume control.

▶ Solution:

• Upgrade to quiet HVAC units with adjustable airflow

• Use silenced ducts, baffle boxes, and vibration-isolated mounts

• Consider an external fresh air intake/exhaust system where possible

3. Inadequate Wall Thickness and Reflective Surfaces

In renovations, space constraints often limit how thick the walls can be.
This makes it even more important to carefully balance sound insulation and absorption.

▶ Solution:

• Use high-performance, thin-profile soundproofing boards (e.g., composite lead gypsum panels)

• Install interior acoustic panels to reduce reflections and standing waves

• Consider a floating floor system to block structure-borne noise at low frequencies

◆ How to Boost Your Chances of Success

Step 1: Conduct On-Site Acoustic Measurements

Use sound level meters and room analysis tools to assess existing background noise and reflective characteristics.

Step 2: Design Solutions Based on Noise Type and Path

Select soundproofing materials and methods for each specific challenge—HVAC, walls, ceilings, and floors.

Step 3: Plan for Post-Construction Performance Testing

Ensure that your design includes procedures to verify acoustic performance (e.g., measuring background noise to meet standards like JIS T 1201).

◆ Recommended Solutions for Renovation Use Cases

• Thin-profile, high-performance soundproof wall panels

• Acoustic doors with dual sealing mechanisms

• Quiet duct units and silenced ventilation boxes

• On-site acoustic measurement services and post-installation testing

◆ Summary: Renovation Is Difficult, But Not Impossible—If Done Scientifically

The key to successful renovation is treating acoustics as a science, not an afterthought.
With proper diagnosis, strategic material choices, and performance verification, it’s possible to achieve maximum acoustic performance even in limited conditions.

At Enclosure, we bring deep experience in acoustic renovation projects.
We’re here to help you turn your existing space into a truly quiet, compliant audiometry environment, even under difficult constraints.