Acoustical engineering is a branch of engineering that monitors sounds and vibrations in order to find methods to reduce and minimize harmful and annoying sounds. This type of engineering is important to both the public and private sector. The acoustics of a workplace can make or break a business. Clients and customers do not want to frequent restaurants and offices where the noise level is unpleasantly loud. Too much noise in the workplace can decrease productivity of employees. Business owners may find themselves liable to lawsuits or subject to state-induced sanctions if they expose their employees to harmful noise levels.

Acoustical engineers find and fix problems of too much noise, as well as work with ultrasound and sonar in a variety of applications. Acoustical engineers can find plenty of employment in a variety of disciplines, including architectural acoustical engineering, audio engineering and electronic acoustical engineering, all of which can be rewarding and high-paying careers. Consider the following suggestions to find the appropriate training for the job you want:

1. Choose an acoustical engineering program.

2. Further your knowledge of acoustic engineering.

3. Land a job that lets you keep your skills sharp.

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Earn an acoustical engineer degree

From certificate programs to post-doctoral degrees, there are many different levels of acoustical engineering programs. From online degrees to traditional colleges and universities, there is an unlimited supply of acoustical engineering education and training opportunities.

I recommend: The Acoustical Society of America provides good tutorials on how to map your education goals and career paths in acoustical engineering. You might also consider courses from The Stanford University Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics. The Carnegie Mellon University Department of Mechanical Engineering offers the Acoustics, Vibrations and Noise Control Laboratory where you can conduct your research.

Continue your acoustical engineering training

Training yourself on acoustics in the workplace is the first step in choosing a career as an acoustics engineer. Acoustical engineering is a fascinating discipline that can lead to many interesting jobs, such as a noise-control acoustic engineer or in a recording studio.

I recommend: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers an online training guide on noise control for business owners and employees. Acoustics.com features continuing education opportunities in the acoustics field to help people add to an already existing skill-set. Home business owners should consider investing in “The Noise Control Manual for Residential Buildings” published by McGraw-Hill to learn more about audio engineering for residential applications.

Attend conferences where you can learn about acoustical engineering practices

Finding information about acoustics and acoustical engineering is not difficult. Acoustical engineers and others in the field of engineering acoustics can benefit from education and training obtained through conferences.

I recommend: You can join other acoustic engineering companies when you attend one of the noise conferences and meetings listed on the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse website. A worldwide forum on noise sources, INTER-NOISE 2009, is presented by the Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the USA.

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• •  Acoustical engineers interested in the medical field may opt to work on and maintain ultrasound equipment in medical centers and hospitals.

Acoustical engineering is a diverse field covering a broad range of services beneficial to businesses. Acoustic engineers provide noise reduction and vibration testing and work to improve sound quality. Engineers are a vital part of building a structure from the design process. Contractors can consult with an acoustics engineer to reduce noise levels in hospitals, schools and clubs. Businesses of all sizes benefit from the services offered by acoustical engineers or through products manufactured by them.

Narrow down the field by determining your company's acoustical service requirement. There are many types of acoustical engineering services for industrial, architectural and commercial structures. Each type offers a specialized service to meet different audio needs. Complete the following steps as you search for technicians:

1. Search for an acoustical engineer skilled in your business services.

2. Browse catalogs for acoustical wall panels, ceiling tiles, curtains and windows for noise reduction and soundproofing.

3. Expand staff training in acoustics engineering and software solutions that allow you to tackle in-house acoustic projects.

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Consult with an acoustic engineer for specific products and equipment

Your business may be looking for options to reduce noise in open office spaces or teleconference rooms. Look to acoustic engineering firms that design and manufacture acoustical equipment. Some may consult with you to choose the best products for your noise reduction needs as well as complete the instillation process.

I recommend: Contact D&D Sound Control for noise canceling products. Download a product catalogue from Tech Products Corporation and request more information on their products.

Hire acoustical engineering companies capable of handling your project

Acoustical engineers help your company at any stage, from designing your office building to providing voice security or meeting local requirements for noise reduction. Research the needs of your company before consulting acoustical engineering companies. Though large firms may focus on building or industrial sectors, localized companies are skilled with meeting small business budgets and serving most acoustics needs.

I recommend: Visit acoustics.org for descriptions and access to dozens of acoustic engineering firms. Go to Noise Pollution Clearinghouse for access to acoustical firms skilled in reducing noise pollution.

Train your staff to develop in-house acoustical engineering solutions

Acoustics covers a broad range of services. If your business typically consults with an acoustics engineer, an in-house engineering department could ease your budget and help get projects done quicker. Get staff trained in areas needed for your small business by taking advantage of acoustic engineering programs at colleges.

I recommend: Use Acoustics Engineering software tools to complete audio engineering measurements and calculations. Purdue University offers online acoustical engineering programs and staff development courses related to studying acoustics right from your PC.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Train in-house staff by looking for degree programs in physics, mechanical, aeronautical or electrical engineering. Acoustics isn't typically available as a separate degree at most colleges, though certificate programs may be available.

Acoustical engineering is an important applied engineering science. This engineering branch deals with the improvement of sound quality using different techniques that enhance the quality of the desired sound and reduce the quality of the undesired sound. Acoustical engineering is applicable in many different locations, including home theaters, movie halls and industrial testing laboratories.

While consulting acoustical engineers for residential, commercial or industrial applications, you will come across various technical terms. This guide intends to explain some acoustical engineering key terms, such as acoustic treatment, ambient noise, decibel and sabin.

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Acoustic treatment

Acoustic treatment is a systematic approach to improve the audibility in a room or any other confined space by using acoustic panels, baffles and absorbers.

I recommend: Amazing Home Theater provides detailed information about acoustic treatment and steps followed for acoustic treatment. You can also read through information about the acoustic treatment at Connect Multimedia.

Ambient noise

Ambient noise is the composite effect of all types of sounds that are generally present in a given environment. Evaluating the nature and level of ambient noise is an important step in the acoustic treatment process.

I recommend: To understand the definition for this term, read through the glossary at Industrial Noise Control, a reputable company in the field of noise control solutions.

Structure-borne noise

Sometimes, mechanical vibrations of structures or mechanisms in a confined space contribute to audible sound. Such noise, which is undesired in acoustical engineering applications, is known as structure-borne noise.

I recommend: Conabeare Acoustics, a supplier of noise control equipment, offers a glossary of noise control terms, such as ambient noise and structure-borne noise.

Anechoic room

As the name indicates, an anechoic room (or anechoic chamber) is a room that has an internal lining of sound-absorbing materials that reduce the reflections of sound and electromagnetic waves. These rooms are useful for evaluating characteristics of microphone and speaker products.

I recommend: Keith Yates Design Group, a supplier of acoustically optimized home theatres, offers a glossary of technical terms related to home theatres. In addition, TMS (Technical Marketing Specialists) provides definitions for various technical terms, including anechoic room.

Absorption coefficient

The absorption coefficient of a material indicates its ability to absorb sound waves in a particular octave. For a comparison of sound absorbing materials, you will need to learn about their absorption coefficients.

I recommend: For a detailed description of absorption coefficient, read through the explanation at Acoustics101.com, an informative website by Auralex Acoustics.

Reverberation

Reverberation is the combined effect of the sound and its echoes, hence the sound persists in the room even after the source has stopped emitting sound waves. Sometimes, reverberation is required to give better sound effect.

I recommend: To learn more about reverberation, read through the glossary of audio terms at QSC Audio Products. For the definition for reverberation and relevant terms, browse through the glossary of technical terms at the Recording Institute Of Detroit.

Decibel (dB)

A decibel is the unit for the measurement of sound energy. One decibel is the minimum change in the volume that can be perceived by a human ear. In the field of acoustics, sound intensity is expressed in decibels.

I recommend: To learn more about decibel, read through the acoustic terms glossary at Acoustical Solutions, a reputable supplier of soundproofing and noise control products.

Sabin

A sabin is the unit of measurement of sound absorption. One sabin is the sound absorption of one square foot of a perfectly absorbing surface.

I recommend: Soundsorba, an acoustic specialist company, offers definitions for various acoustical terms, including decibel and sabin. For detailed description about sabin, read through the glossary of technical terms at Sweetwater Sound.

Acoustical engineering refers to the sound design or sound scheme of a given space. This space can be everything from an office building, to a home theatre, to an airplane. Acoustical engineers work hand and hand with civil engineers to ensure that both the aesthetic look and support of a building, structure or object is as sound as its architectural acoustical engineering.

Take the time to learn some of the basics associated with acoustical engineering so that you can see how to integrate it into your business space. Here are some resourceful links to help get you started. Think of your tutorial as acoustical engineering for beginners.

1. Learn about acoustic engineering by using software that measures the acoustics of a space.

2. Take a course taught by an acoustics engineer at a college or university to understand the basics.

3. Sit down and have a consultation with an acoustic engineer to see how acoustical engineering services might be incorporated into your business.

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Educate yourself about software designed for acoustical engineering

There are many software programs on the market that are dedicated to measuring the acoustics of a space. These measurements are then computed by the software. Based on the results, building shapes, materials and styles are suggested to the engineering team. The acoustical engineers then create their sound scheme based on the findings by the software.

I recommend: Check out the acoustical engineering software named Acoustic Soft. The software helps you design or engineer an acoustical set-up for your home or office. Also visit EAW. They sell acoustic measurement software as well.

Locate courses taught by an acoustical engineer

There are many colleges and universities throughout the country that have an acoustical engineering degree. Even if you don't wish to secure a two or four year degree, enroll in one of the basic courses so that you might gain a cursory knowledge of the world of acoustical engineering. Then take what you've learned and apply it to the acoustical design of your business.

I recommend: Check out the website for Brigham Young University (BYU). They offer a degree and classes in acoustical engineering research. Also the Acoustical Society of America offers a comprehensive list of the courses throughout the country covering acoustical engineering.

Have consultations at acoustic engineering companies to determine how to incorporate their services

Many acoustical engineering companies offer consultations to potential clients to educate them on the basics associated with designing an acoustical engineering plan for a space. Take the time to sit with representatives of these companies so that they may speak specifically to the project you had in mind and provide you with a cursory sense of what acoustical engineering entails.

I recommend: Go to the website for Acousti Engineering Company for additional information about their company and the services they provide. Acousti Engineering Company is located in Florida. Also, visit the website for SSA Acoustic. Their website has a comprehensive list of acoustical resources.