Expert guidance from Jason Saunders, Director of QuietStar Limited
Introduction
This guide explores best practices for designing audiology test rooms, booths, and suites. Whether you’re planning a new facility or refurbishing an existing one, this article outlines how to create an optimal acoustic environment that complies with ISO 8253 standards and enhances patient care.
Understanding Audiology Test Environments
Audiology assessments require a highly controlled acoustic setting. Clinical evaluations such as pure-tone audiometry, sound field testing, and speech audiometry are used to identify hearing loss and monitor aided hearing performance. These tests typically fall into two categories:
Unaided Assessments: Use headphones or ear inserts for pure-tone threshold testing.
Aided Assessments: Evaluate the functional gain from hearing aids, often using free-field speaker setups.
Testing is usually conducted in line with ISO 8253, which includes:
ISO 8253-1: Pure-tone and narrow-band testing (125Hz–8000Hz)
ISO 8253-2: Sound field audiometry, including paediatric evaluations
ISO 8253-3: Speech audiometry for rehabilitation and disability evaluation
Room Size & Layout
A well-designed audiometric room should support consistent, accurate testing.
Recommended Size: Minimum internal area of 8–9m² for adult testing; up to 30m² for paediatric or free-field use.
Layout: Furniture and equipment should be fixed and minimal. Consider whether the audiologist remains in the room or operates from a separate, acoustically-isolated control area with an observation window.
Acoustic Requirements
Ambient Noise Levels: Should meet ISO 8253 recommendations. Achieving these levels can be challenging in practice, but they provide the benchmark for design.
Reverberation Time: Should not exceed 0.25 seconds. Use wall and ceiling absorption panels or construct walls with absorptive surfaces.
Loudspeaker Positioning: Place speakers at head height, angled toward the reference point, and at least 1m away to avoid inverse square law distortion.
Construction & Soundproofing
Room-in-Room Design: Build test rooms as isolated structures within a larger space for optimal sound isolation.
Wall Types: Single acoustic walls can offer 40–45dB reduction; double walls can achieve up to 75dB.
Materials: Use a combination of traditional construction and acoustic panels, especially in retrofitted spaces.
Ventilation & HVAC
Acoustic rooms must remain thermally isolated and tightly sealed, which can impact airflow.
Ventilation: Install acoustically-treated, filtered ventilation systems with sufficient air changes per hour.
Air Conditioning: Consider fully silenced HVAC systems for precise temperature and humidity control.
Patient Comfort & Aesthetics
Design should balance clinical accuracy with patient comfort.
Aesthetics: Use calming colours, soft textures, and appropriate lighting to reduce patient anxiety.
Claustrophobia Consideration: Minimise the sterile feel often caused by low background noise.
Refurbishment of Existing Spaces
Retrofitting standard rooms can still yield excellent results:
Acoustic Upgrades: Install wall linings, acoustic doors, secondary glazing, and absorptive treatments.
Validation: Ensure the refurbished space achieves appropriate acoustic isolation for valid clinical testing.
Conclusion: Collaborative Planning Is Key
Designing effective audiology testing spaces requires coordination between audiologists, acoustic consultants, architects, and contractors. Early engagement and clear communication of ISO standards and clinical needs are essential to deliver world-class audiology facilities.
Related Services
Learn more about QuietStar’s audiology room design services and how we can support your next project.
Need help with a refurbishment? Explore our audiology room upgrades and acoustic treatment solutions.
