Hearing test rooms and audiology booths provide a controlled and quiet environment for accurate hearing assessments in hospitals. These soundproof spaces use high-performance acoustic insulation to block external noise and ensure reliable results. NHS acoustic standards recommend strict design practices to support effective audiology testing.

Specialised Construction for Soundproofing

Builders mount these rooms on rubber blocks to reduce sound and vibration transfer through the building structure. When hospitals plan new facilities, they lower the floor level for these rooms by 80 to 100 mm so the final floor height aligns with the rest of the building. Without this adjustment, users would face a step-up entry, which is not practical.

Optimal Location in the Hospital

To maintain the correct acoustic environment, hearing test rooms should sit away from high-traffic areas such as main hospital corridors. Designers must also avoid ceiling services, especially soiled water pipes, because water movement creates noise that affects testing. For further recommendations, review the British Society of Audiology acoustic guidance.

Doors, Finishes, and Acoustic Enhancements

These rooms usually include two doors: one opening outwards and the other inwards. Soft, sound-absorbing materials cover the floors and walls, creating the quiet environment necessary for accurate audiology testing.

Ventilation, Cooling, and Lighting

Because hearing test rooms remain closed for long periods, heat from people, lighting, and equipment can rise quickly. Effective comfort cooling or air conditioning prevents overheating.

• Ventilation ducts operate silently and must not create mechanical noise.
• Specialised digital lighting avoids sound interference.
• Cooling units sit close to the room, as distance affects their size and performance.

Observation Room and Communication Systems

An observation room usually sits next to the hearing test room and includes a one-way viewing glass. This setup helps patients, especially children, stay focused, allowing clinicians to record accurate hearing test results.

An audio-visual patch panel beneath the viewing glass connects the microphone and headsets. This system allows discreet, one-way communication from the observation room to the clinician inside the booth.

Room Size and Sustainable Materials

Hearing test rooms and audiology booths come in different sizes. Smaller booths hold a table and two people, while larger rooms handle more complex audiology tests.

Finally, designers should choose recycled or recyclable materials to support sustainability in hospital construction.