If you have never arranged a professional noise measurement before, you may not know what to expect. You might wonder what will be measured, how long the visit will take, what equipment will be used and what you will receive at the end.
The process is usually straightforward. First, we discuss the situation and determine what needs to be measured. Our specialists then visit the site with professional acoustic equipment, carry out the agreed measurements and analyse the results against the relevant requirements. The final results are provided in a professionally prepared measurement report.
Step 1: Defining the Scope
Every noise measurement starts by understanding the problem. Before visiting the site, we need to know what is causing the noise, where it is being experienced and why the measurement is required.
For example, the source could be road traffic, industrial equipment, ventilation, a heat pump, construction activity or neighbouring premises. The measurement might be required to investigate a complaint, check compliance with applicable requirements, support a planning process or assess an existing building.
Based on this information, we determine the appropriate measurement locations, measurement periods, duration and technical methodology. The scope and price are agreed before the work begins, so you know what the measurement involves before the site visit takes place.
Step 2: The Acoustic Measurement Visit
On the agreed date, our specialists visit the site with calibrated professional acoustic measurement equipment. The equipment is positioned according to the requirements of the relevant measurement method, taking into account the location of the noise source, the position where the noise is experienced and the conditions required for the assessment.
The time required depends on the project. A straightforward measurement at one location may take relatively little time, while an investigation involving several rooms, measurement points or different noise sources will naturally take longer. Some projects may also require longer or overnight monitoring to capture noise during specific periods.
During the visit, we also record relevant information about the measurement conditions and the noise source. This helps ensure that the results can be properly interpreted and compared with the applicable requirements.
Step 3: Analysing the Results
Once the measurements have been completed, the recorded data is analysed. The results are assessed using the relevant standards, regulations or technical requirements for the particular investigation.
Depending on the type of measurement, the assessment can show the measured noise levels, when the highest levels occur and whether the applicable requirements are met. For building acoustic measurements, the results may instead describe the airborne or impact sound insulation performance of a separating structure.
This analysis is an important part of the process because a professional noise measurement is not simply about recording the loudest number displayed by a sound level meter. The results need to be interpreted in the context of the measurement method, location, duration and applicable criteria.
Step 4: Receiving the Noise Measurement Report
After the analysis is completed, you receive a professionally prepared measurement protocol or report. The report provides the relevant information about the measurement, including the location, equipment, methodology, measurement conditions and results.
Depending on the type of investigation, the report can also show how the measured results compare with the applicable noise limits or acoustic requirements. This gives you documented information that can be used to understand the problem and decide what should happen next.
The time required to prepare the report depends on the scope and complexity of the project. Straightforward measurements can generally be completed more quickly than investigations involving multiple locations, longer monitoring periods or additional analysis.
How Much Does a Noise Measurement Cost?
There is no single price for every noise measurement because each project can require a different amount of work. The cost can depend on the number of measurement points, measurement duration, time of day, location, type of noise and technical requirements of the investigation.
For straightforward measurements, NoiseHunters's standard services can start from €100 + VAT per measurement point. Larger or more complex investigations involving several locations, extended monitoring or specialised acoustic assessment are quoted individually.
The scope and price are discussed before the measurement is scheduled, so you understand what is included in the service.
Do I Need to Know Which Measurement I Need?
No. You do not need to know the technical name of the measurement before contacting us. Simply explain what you are experiencing, where the noise is coming from if known, and why you need the measurement.
For example, if you are hearing footsteps from the apartment above, the appropriate investigation may involve impact sound insulation. If you are experiencing noise from a ventilation system or heat pump, an indoor equipment-noise measurement may be more appropriate. Noise from a nearby road, industrial facility or commercial premises may require an environmental noise assessment.
The appropriate measurement depends on the source and nature of the problem, which is why defining the scope before the site visit is so important.
What Happens After the Measurement?
The measurement report gives you objective acoustic information that can help determine the next step. Depending on the results, you may need to address a building-acoustic problem, investigate a particular noise source, discuss the findings with a building manager or responsible party, or use the report as part of a formal process.
In some cases, the initial measurement may also show that further investigation is useful. For example, if the source of excessive noise is unclear, a more detailed noise-source investigation or acoustic camera assessment may help identify where the sound is coming from.
Need a Noise Measurement in Latvia?
NoiseHunters provides professional noise and acoustic measurement services throughout Latvia, including environmental noise measurements, building acoustics, equipment noise investigations and noise-source investigations.
If you are not sure which type of measurement you need, send us the details of your situation. Our specialists can help determine the appropriate scope, explain what the measurement involves and provide a quotation before the work is scheduled.
Disclaimer: Measurement requirements, methods, reporting times and pricing can vary depending on the project, location and applicable standards. Contact NoiseHunters for a project-specific assessment and quotation.