Good acoustics can level the playing field for deaf children, new research shows

The independent research, based on experiments at Sweyne Park school in Essex, also show that good acoustics can help teachers manage disruptive behaviour and reduce teacher stress levels. 

The project compared three rooms with different acoustic standards, confirming that improving acoustics can make a big difference to how children learn in the classroom. The interim report shows that, in some cases, deaf children and their hearing friends perform equally well in listening tasks in rooms with superior acoustics.

As a result of the research, Essex County Council has committed to going beyond government standards on acoustics for all new school buildings in Essex. 

Deaf pupils from Sweyne Park school have been helping NDCS campaign for better acoustics across the UK. In June, deaf pupils lobbied MPs at Westminster on the need for better acoustics and recently featured on the BBC2 programme See Hear. 

NDCS is campaigning for a change to the law to ensure that all new school buildings are tested for their acoustics before they open. Over the long term, we believe that all deaf children should be able to enjoy the benefits of good acoustics enjoyed at Sweyne Park school. 

More information:

NDCS summary of research into acoustics at Sweyne Park school: Making Sweyne Park School sound good (365 kb)

Interim report of research into acoustics at Sweyne Park school (822 kb)

NDCS's Sounds good? campaign for better acoustics