Someone who specializes in the study of sound is known as an acoustician. Acoustics has a wide range of applications, from designing concert halls to studying whales, and acousticians work in a variety of settings with a diverse range of people. People who want to work in acoustics can get training at colleges and universities all over the world, including graduate-level work in specific areas of acoustics.
Bioacoustics, the study of sound in animals and the natural environment, is one branch of acoustics in which an acoustician can work. Animal communication, the role of sound in animal environments, and the ways in which sound can disrupt animal and plant life are all examples of this field of study. For example, an acoustician might study the mechanics of speech and hearing in humans or conduct research on bird populations to see if the noise of a large human community disturbs them.
Acousticians can work in acoustical engineering as well. For example, an acoustical architect is skilled at designing buildings and spaces to reduce or maximize sound. For example, an opera house requires a very specific design for good acoustics so that the audience can enjoy the music. A large office building, on the other hand, necessitates special measures to keep sound levels low so that people are not overwhelmed by noise. Acoustic engineers are experts in sound transmission, interference, absorption, and reflection, and they use this knowledge to plan spaces and create devices that work as intended. An acoustician can also work in the recording industry, advising on recording booth layouts and serving as a consultant for film and television production.
Other tasks for an acoustician include conducting research into the fundamental properties of sound. Underwater acoustics, ultrasound and infrared research, and sound research in a variety of environments, from thin mountain air to subway tunnels, are all examples of this. These acousticians produce useful data that can be applied to everything from developing new medical imaging equipment to developing train sound dampening systems.
An acoustician’s job can be quite varied. Acoustician jobs can pay well, especially for those with highly specialized skills, and they can include opportunities for research, field work, and lab work. Whether an acoustician is developing alert devices for the blind or researching how sound travels underwater, sound is an important part of society.