Acoustics is the name given to the branch of science that deals with the study of sound. Acousticians help to manage, regulate and control noise and vibration in the home, in workplaces and the environment.
Sound affects our lives everyday. Without control, sound may reduce the acceptability of the environment, cause deafness and create stress. Correct acoustic design, however, can greatly improve quality of life at work, in performance spaces, such as concert halls, and at home.
The field of acoustics is very diverse. The work of an acoustician may, for example, include:
- aerodynamic (aircraft) noise
- architectural acoustics and noise control in buildings
- electroacoustics in recorded and broadcast sound
- environmental acoustics, dealing with noise from industry, traffic and entertainment
- bioacoustics, involving the investigation of sound production and detection by animals, including humans
- medical ultrasound, used for medical diagnosis and treatment
- audio acoustics, in the design and analysis of audio systems
- underwater acoustics, which uses acoustic waves to detect objects underwater
- the design of machinery, including cars and domestic products
- speech and hearing.
Acousticians tend to specialise in one or more areas and their daily tasks vary widely depending on the field they work in. They could be advising on sound insulation, helping to design a concert hall so that the music can be heard clearly throughout the auditorium, or researching new ways of making engines or electrical equipment run more quietly.
Many acousticians work in engineering and architectural consultancies on projects as varied as opera houses, schools, the automotive industry and sonar, and many other fields. In industry, they may work on machinery noise and control systems. In the aircraft industry, they may work on engine design and manufacture. Some specialise in designing and working with recording studio and broadcast sound equipment.
They may also work in acoustics research for healthcare, defence, music and telecommunications.
Acousticians must be aware of legislation relating to noise and often need to produce concise accounts of complex problems. Some acousticians may need to present their findings at public inquiries, where they may be asked to give evidence supporting or opposing new projects, eg the location of a new road or factory.
They usually work as part of a team with professional colleagues from different disciplines.
Hours and environment
Working hours and environments vary depending on the area of work. Acousticians in research may spend most of their time in a laboratory, either working from 9.00am to 5.00pm or at unsocial hours, eg if an experiment demands low background noise levels that only occur at night.
Although they use computers at a desk, the job is rarely deskbound. They are frequently in meetings or recording studios or on site. The work may involve standing and bending, as well as lifting and installing instruments.
Travel between offices and sites may be required. Staying away from home may be necessary if projects are in different parts of the country or overseas.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Starting salaries for newly qualified acoustical consultants may be around €25,000 a year.
- With experience acousticians can earn around €35,000.
- Principal acoustical consultants can earn up to €60,000 a year or more.
Skills and personal qualities
An acoustician should have:
- a good understanding of sound and acoustics
- an aptitude for maths and physics
- a creative and innovative approach to solving problems
- good technology skills for planning and testing designs
- an organised approach to designing and planning projects
- an understanding of environmental legislation and standards
- good project management and teamwork skills
- strong spoken and written communication skills.
Interests
It is important to:
- have an interest in how sound behaves
- enjoy maths and physics.
Getting in
Acousticians may be employed by:
- acoustic consultancies
- building and civil engineering firms
- sound recording studios
- manufacturing companies
- telecommunications companies
- the aerospace industry
- medical organisations, including the HSE
- government departments and local authorities
- universities, colleges and research establishments.
Acoustics is a small, specialised field. The Institute of Acoustics (IOA) is the UK’s professional body for people working in acoustics, noise and vibration, and has around 3,000 members. There is currently a shortage of noise consultants in Ireland. Job vacancies are advertised in the local and national media, on the website of the IOA, in the IOA’s membership journal Acoustics Bulletin and through specialist recruitment agencies.
Entry routes
Acousticians need relevant acoustics-related qualifications at either degree or postgraduate level.
Relevant undergraduate courses are available at two universities:
- the University of Southampton offers degrees in acoustical engineering and acoustics and music
- the University of Salford offers a degree in acoustics.
Useful Links:
Association of Acoustic Consultants of Ireland