Noise and its hot topics

Abstract

Noise is an increasing challenge; the pollution of the environment comprises a multitude of risks. Fortunately, there is also great effort for assessment and evaluation that touches and also includes socio-cultural, psychological, architectural, ecological, and health fields. To sufficiently consider local and regional conditions there is an ongoing process within TC Noise to understand soundscapes as a new tool for the measurement, analysis, and design of environmental and community noise that applies the knowledge of both science and community experts. The process for standardization is under initiative. Classroom acoustics, which achieved great success, is now on the way to enforce its widespread acceptance supported by members from TC Noise, Architectural Acoustics, Speech Communication, ASA-Committee on Standards, and others. Work on improved noise control continues and places emphasis on noise in hospitals. The importance of noise in health care suggests that the problem of hospital noise is universal, and that noise control techniques might also be expected to be applicable broadly. Taking into account the fact that the life quality of millions of people is severely impaired by noise from different sources, we will keep moving.