Optimization of the room acoustics parameters values depending on auditory sensitivity distinctions

Abstract

Elderly individuals may experience hearing difficulties for various reasons. The most common of these is age-related hearing loss called presbycusis. Due to these changes in auditory sensitivity, it is difficult to hear and understand speech at certain frequencies. Due to the acoustic design based on the auditory sensitivity of the younger ear, elderly listeners may have hearing difficulties, especially in conference rooms without a sound system. The objective of this research is to provide acoustic comfort conditions in conference halls that can be suitable for all listeners. In this context, new optimum reverberation times were determined for three different age groups to eliminate the negative effects of auditory sensitivity distinctions on speech intelligibility. The obtained results were compared to the reference values determined for the objective room acoustics parameters in various standards (ISO, DIN, JIS, etc.) for young and elderly listeners. A 3000 m3 (volume) conference hall was chosen as an example to support the research with a listening test and a survey. Following the completion of the listening test studies for a receiver point located approximately in the center of the hall, the data were analyzed in a statistical program. Based on these evaluations, it seems evident that the subjective and objective data overlap and that the intelligibility values can be improved by applying the new reverberation times determined by the study's method to the halls. It is thought that the research will make significant contributions to the improvement of acoustic comfort in conference rooms.