New Sound Field System

by Dr. Jennifer Mertes, AuD

Classroom acoustics can present a barrier to a child’s reception of information presented during their school day. Due to neural immaturity, children have difficulty listening and understanding speech when in the presence of background noise. Research has shown that children are not able to function at an adult-like level and “fill in the gaps” until around age thirteen. The research also shows that the younger the child is, the more affected by background noise they will be. There are many populations of children that require favorable acoustics in the classroom:

• Typical school-aged children (still developing language)
• Children with any type/degree of hearing loss, including ear infections or fluid in the middle ear and/or the presence of a unilateral hearing loss
• Children with auditory processing difficulties
• Children with learning disabilities
• Children with behavioral concerns
• Children with attention deficits
• Children with developmental disabilities, especially in speech, language and reading
• Children with visual problems
• Children whose first language is not that of the teacher

The River School has always been mindful of the effects of background noise on a child’s listening and learning in class. All of our rooms have acoustic ceiling tiles, carpet, drapes, and wood fixtures in order to cut down on the reverberation (sound reflecting around in the room) and background noise.  We have also worked to reduce the noise caused from our air conditioning systems.

In order to further improve the classroom acoustics at The River School, we have installed LightSPEED classroom amplification systems throughout the school. These systems enable children to hear the teacher’s voice anywhere in the classroom, as if they were only standing a few feet away. In addition, they can decrease fatigue on the teachers and students, reinforce language development and literacy, reduce learning disability referrals, and improve attention and behavior. 

Sound field amplification systems have a wireless microphone that is worn by the teacher and transmits their voice to a receiver using infra-red light signals. The receiver then sends the sound through a speaker that is hung on the wall. Although the benefits of classroom sound field systems are well documented, their use in classrooms remains few and far between. Schools are resistant to use the systems due to the investment necessary and any stigmatisms that may be present due to aesthetics. Since the system installation, our teachers and students are reporting great benefit from the microphones.

The River School, through its innovative practices, hopes to serve as an example for our community.