Editor’s Message

By Sunit Girdhar, Westside Acoustics and Vibration Engineering

In this issue, we are trying something unique. During a recent survey on what would you, as readers, would like to read from future issues of Noise News International, we got an overwhelming response on measurement standards and practices. It’s a topic that affects every corner of noise control engineering, yet one that often feels opaque, overly technical, or simply overwhelming. With hundreds of standards across various organizations, each with enough nuance to fill entire textbooks, it’s easy to see why. So, while we can’t cover everything, and certainly not in one issue, we felt it was important to begin.

This edition offers a curated selection of articles that introduce and clarify several foundational acoustics and noise control standards. We explore the ASTM laboratory and field methods for floor–ceiling impact noise, unpack the measurement approach behind floor covering performance, highlight the AHRI standards governing HVAC noise, and provide an accessible introduction to the ISO sound insulation standards. We also were fortunate enough that our industry sponsors wrote an article on heavy/hard impact noise standard for this issue. Individually, each of these topics could fill an entire issue of NNI; together, they represent a meaningful starting point for anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of acoustic measurement framework.

Our goal with this collection isn’t to turn you into a standards expert in one sitting. Rather, we hope to demystify some of the terminology, structure, and intent behind these documents; because the truth is, even seasoned professionals can find standards confusing or counterintuitive at times. A baseline understanding can go a long way in improving communication, streamlining project work, and elevating the quality of noise control across industries.

We also recognize that standards play a crucial role in how our field collaborates and evolves. They define common language, set expectations for performance, and provide clarity in a profession where small measurement differences can have major real-world consequences. As noise control continues to intersect with emerging technologies, sustainability goals, and evolving building practices, familiarity with these frameworks becomes more important than ever.

As part of this issue, we also bring you a special interview with Noral Stewart, a household name in the field of Acoustics and Noise Control, whose work has played a meaningful role in shaping current practices. We sat down with Noral to hear firsthand about the challenges, lessons, and realities of working in the field of Noise Control. His insights offer a rare opportunity to learn directly from someone who has helped build the foundation on which much of our industry relies.

We hope this issue offers both insight and confidence as you navigate the standards that guide our work. And as always, your feedback helps us shape future editions, so if there are specific standards you’d like to see explored next, please let us know.