Article
The Audiovisual Noise Indicator – an appropriate instrument to reduce noise in classrooms?
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Published: | August 8, 2007 |
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The persistent affairs over a longer period at the Tinnituszentrum Detmold clearly show:
- The number of pupils with hearing impairments is increasing.
- The number of young people suffering from Tinnitus is increasing.
- More and more teachers complain about increasing hyperacusis going along with vocal overstressing.
The Audiovisual Noise Indicator is one possibility to antagonise this development.
The device is similar to a traffic light and evaluates the surrounding average noise level with a green, yellow or red signal.
Additionally, the red light can trigger a sound signal.
In September 2006 we provided 14 primary schools in Detmold with one Audiovisual Noise Indicator each. All relevant teachers and pupils have received a pedagogic introduction to the Audiovisual Noise Indicator.
After 10 weeks (November 2006) and after 26 weeks (February 2007) of active testing in class, the practical experiences were collected with a questionnaire.
The results are:
- Pupils and teachers show an increasing awareness of noise.
- Almost all pupils have a positive attitude towards the use of Audiovisual Noise Indicators.
- The teaching atmosphere is consistently sensed more enjoyably.
- The majority of pupils and teachers regard the Audiovisual Noise Indicator as independent observer, who points to the noise.
- Most of the schools want to continue the use Audiovisual Noise Indicators.
- Vocal overstressing of the teachers is declining.
- The use and the periods of use depend on the work phase.
- Many heads of school are demanding to take the Audiovisual Noise Indicator into the standard equipment of a school.
After 6 month of field-testing, the use of Audiovisual Noise Indicators has proven its value.
Further investigations will show, if the pupils school achievements improve with the use of Audiovisual Noise Indicators.