Speech intelligibility in a classroom depends on the level of speech relative to the level of background noise - within the classroom and within the building.

An indicator of speech intelligibility in a room is called signal-to-noise ratio or SNR.  The larger the SNR, the greater the speech intelligibility.

There are several ways to increase the signal-to-noise ratio.
 Reduce reflected sound
 Reduce noise traveling through the plenum
 Reduce noise traveling through the walls

For more information, use our interactive reverberation time calculator and visit School Zone.

1.  General room noise (measured by NRC)

Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)
A measure of the average percentage of noise that a material absorbs in the mid-frequency range.

2.  Reflected conversational noise that angles off ceilings into adjacent cubicles in open plan design (measured by AC)

Articulation Class (AC)
Rates a ceiling's suitability for achieving normal speech privacy in open office spaces by absorbing noise reflected at an angle off the ceiling into adjacent cubicles.

3.  Sound transmission through cubicles, partitions, walls and ceilings (measured by CAC)

Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC)
Rates a ceiling structure's efficiency as a barrier to airborne sound intrusion between two closed rooms, over the speech frequency range. Click here to learn more about our selection of High CAC products.

All healthcare facilities like hospitals, doctor's offices and pharmacies will need to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  Fortunately, there are easy and economical ways to meet the new oral privacy regulations in treatment, waiting and reception areas.  Armstrong products can help.  An Armstrong high-performance acoustical ceiling system absorbs sound to create a more quiet and therapeutic environment.  And, an i-ceilings sound masking system can increase the privacy of conversations.

By following the ABCs ^TM  of Speech Privacy, you can help ensure "reasonable safeguards" in compliance with HIPAA.  Visit our page on Healthcare for more information.