Tinnitus and Discomfort in Anechoic and Soundproof Rooms
05/25/2025
MFAC / MSAC
Why Do We Experience Discomfort or Tinnitus in These Spaces?
Anechoic and soundproof rooms are designed with sound-absorbing treatments on walls and ceilings, creating extremely quiet environments. Upon entering such spaces, individuals may experience a sharp “tingling” sensation or perceive “ringing in the ears” (tinnitus). These reactions are primarily due to two factors:
| Sound Absorption | The materials used absorb sound waves, reducing reflections. |
| Extreme Quietness | The absence of ambient noise heightens auditory sensitivity. |
Rooms with high sound insulation and absorption are more likely to induce these sensations. However, experiencing discomfort or tinnitus doesn’t necessarily indicate a “high-performance” room. Some advanced anechoic and soundproof rooms are designed to minimize such effects.
The Importance of Frequency Balance
Consider the following three frequency response patterns commonly referenced in music:
| Flat | Uniform sound pressure across low to high frequencies. |
| “Kamaboko” (Fish Cake) | Lower sound pressure in low and high frequencies, higher in mid frequencies. |
| “Donshari” | Higher sound pressure in low and high frequencies, lower in mid frequencies. |
Compared to a flat response, “Kamaboko” and “Donshari” exhibit imbalanced frequency distributions. In musical contexts:
| Flat | Suited for classical and jazz. |
| Kamaboko | Emphasizes vocals and ballads; extreme cases resemble AM radio or telephone audio. |
| Donshari | Ideal for EDM and rock genres. |
Effects of Poor Frequency Balance
An imbalanced frequency response can cause auditory discomfort. In anechoic and soundproof rooms, sound-absorbing materials are more effective at higher frequencies, leading to excessive absorption of high-pitched sounds. If low-frequency absorption is insufficient, the resulting imbalance can disrupt the room’s acoustic harmony.
Humans are particularly sensitive to frequencies between 2–6 kHz. When these frequencies are overly absorbed, and low-frequency absorption is lacking, the brain may interpret the imbalance as abnormal, leading to sensations of discomfort or tinnitus.
Misconceptions About Room Performance
Some acoustics professionals might assume that discomfort indicates high sound absorption performance. While this may reflect effective high-frequency absorption, it doesn’t account for the overall frequency balance. Enhancing low to mid-frequency absorption while maintaining high-frequency performance can achieve a flatter response, reducing discomfort.
For instance, larger semi-anechoic rooms tend to have better low-frequency absorption. Individuals who have experienced both small and large semi-anechoic rooms often report less discomfort in the larger spaces, despite similar levels of sound absorption.
Therefore, the absence of a “tingling” sensation doesn’t necessarily mean a room lacks sound absorption. Relying solely on high-frequency perceptions to assess a room’s acoustic performance can be misleading.