What does an Acoustic Consultant do?
Experts in sound and vibration
An acoustic consultant is a professional who provides advice, expertise and solutions to clients on all aspects of sound and acoustics. They work across a range of industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, environmental health, entertainment and the music industry.
​
In the UK, an acoustic consultant typically has a degree in acoustics or a related field, such as physics or engineering. They may also hold professional qualifications from organizations such as the Institute of Acoustics (IOA).
​
Acoustic consultants may be involved in a range of activities, including:
​
Assessing noise levels and their impact on human health and wellbeing, as well as on the environment
Designing and specifying sound insulation and acoustic treatments for buildings, such as concert halls, cinemas, schools, hospitals and offices
Conducting noise surveys and measurements to determine compliance with environmental noise regulations
Developing noise control strategies for industrial and transportation activities
Providing expert testimony in legal cases related to noise and acoustics.
​
Overall, acoustic consultants play an important role in ensuring that sound is managed effectively in a variety of contexts, to improve quality of life and prevent negative impacts on health and the environment.
Environmental Noise
When new developments go through planning, local authorities need to know whether a new noise source is being introduced into the environment and how severe any noise impacts might be on the surrounding community. Similarly, developments near to existing sources of noise might be exposed to unacceptable levels of noise. The role of the Acoustic Consultant is to evaluate those potential impacts, and to come up with mitigation measures if necessary.
Building Acoustics
It's the job of an Acoustic Consultant to understand how sound propagates in buildings, to help ensure that good acoustic conditions can be met. That could be stopping sound travelling between different rooms, making sure speech can be heard in classrooms or preventing sound from noisy ventilation systems from interfering with quiet spaces.
Vibration
Vibration from sources like railways and construction machinery can cause problems for people trying to live and work. It can also interfere with sensitive equipment and, in rare cases, damage buildings and underground pipes. Acoustic Consultants need to understand the science behind vibration so that they can advise clients on its potential effects and recommend measures to prevent vibration from being a problem.
What does an Acoustic Consultant's day look like?
Carrying out noise surveys
Acoustic Consultants typically spend a chunk of their time outside carrying out noise surveys. They are just as likely to find themselves on top of a building in a city centre as they are in the middle of a field in the countryside.
​
Noise surveys will often comprise of a mixture of attended noise readings and setup of unattended monitors to record noise levels over a longer period of time.
Modelling and calculations
Consultants use a range of modelling software programs to predict sound levels in the environment or in buildings. More often than not, however, spreadsheet calculations are the most effective way of getting the job done.
​
Acoustic consultants refer to various British Standards and guidance documents, carrying out calculations in accordance with established procedures.
Report writing
Add the end of each project there is usually a technical report which details the processes and outcomes of the acoustic assessment undertaken. The detail and structure of the report will be appropriate to the scale of the project in question.