A variety of audiometric booths and sound suites are available to meet the demands of various users. Here’s a look at two companies and the features of the audiometric booths and sound suites they offer.

Acoustic Systems,
                       Austin, Tex

Acoustic Systems manufactures a wide range of standard and custom audiometric booths and suites for hearing screening and audiometric testing. They are offered in single-wall and double-wall configurations, with different levels of acoustic performance, variations in floor plans, and numerous appearance options for private practices, clinics, hospitals, government facilities, and research environments. Additionally, the company has developed products specially adapted to the stringent requirements of government facilities and shipboard applications.

Selection of an audiometric enclosure can be from either standard floor plans or the company can design a custom enclosure to meet the most exacting requirements. In addition to custom sizes, enclosures can include interior wall covering, track lighting, dimmer controls, and special interior/exterior finishes. With empirical knowledge gained after three decades of dealing with government agencies and general contractors, Acoustic Systems is capable of meeting the critical requirements and deadlines demanded with the coordination of the project from design and fabrication through final assembly at the job site.Rooms or suites, whether in custom or standard design, can be relocated with no loss in acoustic performance. With the simple addition of wall, roof, and floor panels, they can even be reconfigured. This becomes important when considering the ever-changing programs and venues of hospitals and private practices.

Hearing screening booths provide a self-contained environment for hearing conservation programs. They are maintained in stock for quick delivery and are shipped pre-assembled with floor-mounted casters for a quick and easy setup.

Acoustic Systems also manufactures group test booths in single- or double-wall configurations, capable of testing 4 to 10 people at one time. Group test booths can be engineered and fabricated for mobile applications, as well as for single-person screening booths. Each mobile application is unique and designed to meet the vehicle’s exact requirements.

Engineered for constant use by dispensing professionals, doctors, and patients, audiometric enclosures by Acoustic Systems are designed to perform for years under the most demanding environments. All components are fabricated from heavy duty steel. Panels are finished to a film thickness of 1.5 mm to 2 mm with an electrostatic powder coat paint, suitable for industrial, commercial, and institutional applications.

The company’s audiometric enclosures are selected, designed, and installed with the assistance of its network of professional dealers. All Acoustic Systems’ dealers have been factory-trained regarding specifications, product performance, installation, and offer selected products to complete the testing equipment requirements.

Acoustic Systems is reportedly the first manufacturer of audiometric enclosures that maintains a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NVLAP) accredited research facility (NVLAP code 100286-0) for noise reduction testing of acoustical enclosures. The lab facility conducts constant product research and performance assurance, in addition to acoustic research for various manufacturers throughout the United States. This level of acoustic technology and commitment assures certified, predetermined performance with each audiometric enclosure manufactured. (800) 749-1460; www.acousticsystems.com.

Eckel Industries,
                        Cambridge, Mass

Eckel Industries is a manufacturer of a number of acoustic panel products. The product list ranges from audiometric rooms and suites to machinery enclosures, architectural absorbing panels to control room acoustics, reverberant test rooms, anechoic chambers for noise research, and various enclosures for studios, translation booths, music practice rooms, acoustic testing rooms, etc.

The Eckel panel design for audiometric rooms and suites is unique in the industry. The panels are joined together using cam-locking hardware. The advantages are many: ease and speed of installation; the product becomes instantly de-mountable, so taking down a room to move is quicker and easier; less chance of damage than panels that are joined with interlocking joiners and caulking which need to be pried apart and may incur damage.

Eckel offers versatility in design: air silencers integrated into ceiling panels to save space; many options in the instrument cable connection panels; large color selection; design options that allow optimal use of available space; low-profile floor design to allow easy wheelchair and walk-in access; choice of lighting fixtures, extra or special lighting; and R.F. shielding packages.

With reportedly the largest choice of models in the market, XHD, clinical, economy and low-profile in any combination. This choice to the user gives them the opportunity to purchase the best product for their specific application. The company’s audiometric products combine high performance, versatile design, and economy. Eckel audiometric rooms will provide the necessary ambient acoustics to perform tests under ANSI standards. (800) 563-3574; www.eckel.ca.