The difference between soundproofing and sound absorption: consideration of the sound environment to the outside and inside

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You have probably heard the term "soundproofing.
What you may not be familiar with is sound absorption, which is also called soundproofing.

What is the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption?

Simply put, soundproofing prevents sound from leaking from the inside to the outside and from the outside to the inside.
And sound absorption is about reducing reverberation in a room.

Let's take a look at the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption.

Soundproofing means shutting out sound

Soundproofing is exactly what it sounds like.
Therefore, preventing sound from entering from inside to outside and outside to inside is soundproofing.

There are often soundproof rooms where people play musical instruments or practice singing inside.
These soundproof rooms are designed to prevent sound from leaking outside so that neighbors are not disturbed by singing or playing musical instruments.

Other soundproof windows, for example, those who live near where airplanes fly, can prevent the noisy sound of airplanes from coming from outside.

Sound absorption means reducing the time that sound resonates

Apart from soundproofing, there is the concept of sound absorption.
Sound absorption, as the word implies, absorbs sound.

Does absorbing sound mean that it reduces the amount of sound leaking outside like soundproofing? You might think that this is the case, but it is not.

Sound absorption is the process of absorbing sound and reducing reverberation time.

For example, places where sound resonates well include bathrooms and tunnels.
And music halls are another example.
In these places, the sound echoes and your voice sounds as if it has been echoed.

In singing halls, this reverberation has a positive effect, giving depth to the song, but in everyday life, reverberation has a large negative effect.

First of all, it is difficult to hear what is being said.
Therefore, sound-absorbing materials can be used to reduce reverberation and create a space in which it is easier to hear.

Materials with Soundproofing Functions

The greater the mass of the soundproofing, the more effective it will be.
That is why most condominiums are made of reinforced concrete.

However, the heavier the mass, the more problems arise in terms of earthquake resistance due to the weight.

In such cases, measures such as double-paned windows are taken in many cases.

In this way, the heavier the mass of the product, the more effective it is in soundproofing.

Materials with sound absorption function

Unlike soundproofing, mass is not a major factor in sound absorbing materials.
Woolen materials, such as carpets and curtains, are also sound absorbing materials.

The main sound-absorbing materials are as follows

  • Porous sound absorbers
  • Plate type sound absorber
  • Membrane-type sound absorbers
  • Perforated board
  • Molded sound-absorbing board

Music rooms in schools often have walls with small holes in them.
Such walls are called perforated sound-absorbing materials, and they also have a sound-absorbing function and can reduce reverberation time.

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