Unfortunately, the risks associated with noise cannot be completely eliminated; however, certain steps can be taken to minimize them. Knowing the level of acoustic insulation makes it easier to select optimal solutions to achieve an optimal level of acoustic background. Measuring noise levels helps achieve satisfactory acoustics indoors.

How and with what can noise be measured in an apartment? How much does a noise measurement cost and who can perform an acoustic test?

Illustration 1: Examples of noise sources:

A – airborne sounds generated by a saxophone;
B – impact sounds generated by children jumping on the floor;
C – noise from air conditioning;
D – noise caused by air traffic.

From a physical perspective, sound is a mechanical wave that requires a medium composed of particles (gases, liquids, solids) to propagate. When it reaches our ears, it creates a sensory impression.

Noise can be defined as sound pollution – sound that is undesirable at a given place and/or time, or its intensity is too high.

In recent years, the acoustic properties of interiors have become increasingly important in construction. Regardless of whether a building serves residential or office functions, noise penetrating rooms can disturb sleep and relaxation, cause irritation, and impair concentration.

Sources of Noise

External (e.g. busy streets, air and rail traffic, nightclubs)
Internal (e.g. neighbors’ conversations, footsteps, sounds from plumbing, cooling or ventilation systems)

Depending on what the unwanted factor is and what values need to be measured, a specific type of testing is chosen. Our range of services includes:

Reverberation time
Sound insulation (against airborne and impact sounds; also façades)
Sound levels from technical installations

See why acoustic insulation of building partitions is very important.

Acoustic Testing – What Types of Noise Are There?

Noise refers to high-intensity acoustic vibrations perceived as at least bothersome. It includes any unpleasant, disturbing, or irritating sounds that may be harmful to human health. Types of noise based on their origin include:

Industrial noise – various unwanted sounds generated inside or outside production and industrial facilities, hypermarkets, gas stations, etc.
Transport noise – unpleasant sounds created by vehicles in motion and at the point of tire-road contact; it also includes tram, train, and air traffic.
Building noise – sounds generated by people, machines, and devices inside or outside buildings, including technical equipment (elevators, air conditioners, pumps), and noises from external surroundings.

Reverberation Time

Defined as the time during which the acoustic pressure level in a room drops by 60 dB after the sound source has stopped.

The emitted sound propagates in the room, encountering obstacles (walls, floors, furniture, people), partly reflecting and partly being absorbed. The more absorbent materials in the room (e.g. carpets, heavy curtains), the shorter the sound is audible and the shorter the reverberation time.

Illustration 2: Test methods and equipment used.

A – Omnidirectional speaker (airborne sound source) and sound level meter. Transmitting room;
B – Tapping machine (impact sound source). Transmitting room;
C – Sound level meter;
D – External sound source;
E – Sound level meter. Receiving room relative to sources A and B;
F – Sound level meter. Receiving room relative to source D.

Different room types require different reverberation times. Too long makes speech unintelligible (important in auditoriums, classrooms, theatres), too short leads to flat sound (important in music rooms, operas, churches).

Acoustic test procedure: A sound is generated in a room, then turned off, and the time it takes for the level to drop by 60 dB (T₆₀) is measured using a meter. See Illustration 2: letter A.

Sound Insulation

This is the ability of partitions (walls, doors, windows, floors) to limit sound transmission. The higher the insulation, the less audible the sound on the other side.

Types of sound insulation:

Airborne – sounds generated during conversations, music playing, etc. (important for walls, façades, doors, windows);
Impact – sounds from walking, jumping, objects dropping (important for ceilings).

Acoustic Measurement Procedure:

A sound source is placed in the transmitting room:

For airborne sounds – omnidirectional speaker (see Illustration 2 – A) or external noise (Illustration 2 – D)
For impact sounds – tapping machine (Illustration 2 – B)

Sound levels are measured in both transmitting and receiving rooms. The difference is calculated, and based on that, acoustic insulation is determined. Calculations include reverberation time and background noise. The receiving room in this example is shown as letter E in Illustration 2.

What Is an Acoustic Measurement?

An acoustic measurement is a precise test of sound intensity in a given environment. According to Polish and EU acoustic standards, windows, doors, walls, ceilings, and other building components must meet high insulation requirements.

Noise level measurements verify compliance with these standards. Accurate acoustic testing helps identify sources of excessive noise and how to reduce or eliminate them.

Accredited measurements are performed by labs using advanced equipment. Field tests are conducted similarly to lab tests. Pricing depends on scope, test count, and property type for the acoustic analysis.

Benefits of Noise Measurement

The first benefit is knowledge. Without measurement, we can only guess that sound intensity, type, or duration may cause unpleasant or dangerous symptoms. Testing provides certainty and allows taking the right steps.

The second benefit is the possibility of creating recommendations and solutions.

It’s not just about knowing noise is harmful, but what can be done. Sometimes renovation is needed (e.g., better materials). But often, small changes help — like relocating the server room away from workspaces.

When Is It Worth Conducting a Noise Test?

There are many situations where a professional test is worthwhile — in private homes, cooperatives, or companies. The primary reason is clear, disturbing noise. Testing helps check if decibel levels are harmful and if they can be reduced.

Additional reasons in private homes include:

sleep and relaxation issues: insomnia, fatigue, constant drowsiness,
physical symptoms: headaches, nausea, vomiting,
emotional symptoms: irritation, agitation, hypersensitivity, tearfulness.

In apartment buildings:

clearly audible sounds from neighbors
noise from the street or courtyard
noise from stairwells, elevators

In office buildings:

employee concentration issues
noise from inside/outside the company (e.g. machinery)
low but persistent background noise (e.g. from server rooms or air conditioners)

How Are Acoustic Tests Conducted?

Acoustic testing optimizes environmental sound conditions. Depending on the issue, appropriate noise testing methods are selected, including:

Reverberation time evaluation – sound is generated, turned off, and time until the sound level drops 60 dB is measured
Sound insulation measurement – sound source is set in transmitting room, measurements are taken, difference calculated
Sound level measurement – for technical equipment cycles (elevators, plumbing, ventilation), using a sound meter

Measurements are adapted to building type and device cycles. Calculations include reverberation time and background noise (see Illustration 2 – C).

Noise Measurement Procedure

The process varies by space (outdoor, residential, or workspace). We provide full instructions before testing. You’ll know how we measure, the price, and how long it takes (30 minutes to 24 hours). Specialized equipment includes omnidirectional speakers, tapping machines, and sound meters. During tests, doors/windows must be closed and only authorized personnel may be present. Ask us for specifics!

What to Expect from Acoustic Testing?

Worried about cost versus results? Remember: health and comfort come first. Testing provides solid data and lets you improve quality of life or work where people suffer from noise exposure.

TERMOCENT Noise Measurements

We offer acoustic testing primarily for owners and managers of office, retail, and industrial buildings. We identify noise sources exceeding limits according to standards. Every test is done professionally under current certifications (BREEAM, LEED, EU Taxonomy, WELL, Fitwel, DGNB), and led by an acoustic specialist.

Acoustic Standards Used in Testing and Analysis

Field sound insulation testing:

PN-EN-ISO-16283-1 – airborne sound insulation
PN-EN-ISO-16283-2 – impact sound insulation
PN-EN-ISO-16283-3 – façade sound insulation

Sound insulation evaluation of buildings and partitions:

PN-EN-ISO-717-1 – airborne sound insulation
PN-EN-ISO-717-2 – impact sound insulation

Building noise protection standards:

PN-B-02151-2 – acceptable indoor sound level requirements
PN-B-02151-3 – partition insulation requirements
PN-B-02151-4 – reverberation and speech clarity requirements

Measurement of sound pressure levels from building equipment – precise method:

PN-EN-ISO-16032

TERMOCENT performs all acoustic tests using modern high-quality equipment. If you are experiencing noise issues, contact us at 530 105 398 or by email at biuro@termocent.com. We will help assess the situation, recommend appropriate tests, and do everything to ensure your satisfaction.

Acoustic measurements – noise measurements