The Effects of Classroom Acoustics on Children's Listening Potential in School Settings

Simpson Room (313), Upchurch University Center

Many educators are unaware of the poor acoustic quality of the classrooms they are in every day. The classroom acoustics are altering listening perception and comprehension abilities in children both with and without hearing loss. Research has proven that this type of environment is not conductive for learning. However, by understanding how children, and teachers, are affected by poor classroom acoustics and the severity of poor signal-to-noise ratios, we can advocate for better listening environments in schools. As speech-language pathologists, we stand on the front line and are tasked with ensuring the betterment of the future generation’s education.