Comparison between Predicted and Observed Satisfaction for Speech Privacy in Buildings

Abstract

The notion of a single number rating for speech privacy problems in buildings [B. G. Watters, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 32, 917 (1960)] has been developed further. The resulting system rates both the measured noise reduction of the isolating construction and the background (masking) noise levels. It also takes into account those other factors that determine the acceptability of speech privacy between spaces such as the size of the rooms, the level of speech effort in the spaces, and the degree of privacy needed by the occupants. The ratings calculated, using this system, are compared with observed subjective evaluations of the occupants in a large number of field situations.