A child-centred experiment to test an individually controlled noise-reducing device

A recently published simulation-based study has demonstrated the effect of an individually controlled noise-reducing device (ICND) on improving acoustic quality in classrooms. As a follow-up research, this current study aims to develop a real ICND and test it with its target users- primary school children. The prototype developed in this study looks like a canopy hanging above a desk, was selected and prototyped. It has two modes, i.e. open and closed, and can be easily changed by a remote controller. With this device, school children can control their local acoustic environment by themselves. More than 200 primary school children have been invited to test two prototypes of this device in the acoustical chamber of the SenseLab. The results showed that 83% of the children liked this device and 61% of them wanted to have it in their own classroom. However, since this is a prototype, there is still room for improvement. Based on the children's feedback, several suggestions for future modifications have been summarized. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

This study aims to develop an individually controlled noise-reducing device for primary school children to improve their acoustic environment. The prototype received positive feedback from over 200 children, with 83% liking the device and 61% expressing interest in having it in their own classrooms. Feedback from the testing phase will be used to make modifications for future improvements.