Sound quality characteristics of importance for preschool children’s perception and wellbeing after an acoustic intervention.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between a noise intervention to improve the acoustic conditions in kindergartens and children's perceptions of and reactions to noises in the kindergarten environment. The researchers studied the relationship between perceptions, reactions and symptoms on the one hand and the sound environment on the other, both in terms of objective measurements and the children's subjective opinions.

After making changes to the kindergarten's noise environment, the noise level became lower and the children experienced fewer unpleasant noises. The reduction in noise level was associated with a 30% reduction in abdominal pain and children's experience of unpleasant noises. The sound changes also had a positive impact on the children's ability to communicate. Children's experiences of noise also affected their well-being. Despite a moderate reduction in noise levels, the children noticed the difference and thought the noise environment improved.

Children aged four to five years old and their parents were recruited from seven kindergartens in Mölndal, Sweden, where an intervention was implemented to improve acoustic conditions in the kindergartens. The intervention involved replacing floor mats with plastic mats designed to reduce impact sounds, putting cushioning pads under the chairs, replacing ceiling absorbers and, in some rooms, adding wall absorbers. The effect of the intervention was studied using a previously developed interview protocol called ‘Inventory of noise and children's health’, in combination with measurements of noise levels and room acoustics. A total of 63 children and 59 parents completed the questionnaire before and after the intervention. This study reports data from the children and the acoustic measurements.

Persson Waye, K. & Karlberg, J. (2021). "Sound quality characteristics of importance for preschool children’s perception and wellbeing after an acoustic intervention". Frontiers in Built Environment, 7:688836.