NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

Which rating indicates a high level of speech privacy according to the articulation index?

1. 0.1 or lower

2. 0.3 or higher

3. 0.05 to 0.2

4. 0.2 to 0.3

The correct answer is: 0.1 or lower

A rating of 0.1 or lower on the articulation index indicates a high level of speech privacy. The articulation index is a measure used to assess the ability of individuals to understand speech in a specific environment. Scores closer to 0 represent poor speech intelligibility, meaning that conversations are difficult to overhear and thus provide a high level of privacy. When the rating is 0.1 or lower, it implies that the background noise is high enough or that barriers to sound transmission are effective, thereby preventing conversations from being easily understood by those outside the immediate area. This is particularly important in settings where confidentiality is crucial, such as in healthcare facilities or in offices needing to protect sensitive information. In contrast, higher scores would suggest a greater potential for speech to be overheard, which could compromise privacy. Thus, a lower articulation index score signifies a more successful design or acoustical treatment in creating spaces that maintain a level of discretion during conversations.