Airborne vs Structure
What's the difference between Airborne and Structure-borne Sound ? Airborne sound is sound that travels via the air and through separating structures between rooms. For example, airborne sou nd across a lightweight floor would pass through the plasterboard ceiling, into the floor void, through the floorboards and into the room.
Learn what structure-borne sound is and how it travels through buildings. Our experts at Sound Pro Solutions explain the difference between airborne and structure-borne sound and how to stop vibration noise effectively.
Sound in focus

The main difference between airborne and structure-borne sound is the medium of propagation. While airborne sound travels through the air as sound waves, structure-borne sound travels through solid objects such as stone, concrete, steel or wood.
Airborne Noise vs. Structure
Now, there are two major mediums through which sound waves and noises mostly pass, those are solid surfaces and air . Noise transmitted via air is called airborne noise while the noise that is transmitted through solid objects and surfaces is called structure-borne or impact noise.

Moving forward, it's essential to keep these visual contexts in mind when discussing What Is The Difference Between Airborne Sound And Structure Borne Sound.
Learn how airborne vs structure-borne noise travels through air and solid materials, and what design methods effectively control sound and vibration.
Structure borne sound vs. Air
Structure-borne sound (acoustic emission as an example) Structure-borne sound on the other hand is a method to monitor the health status of machinery and components by analysing sound /pressure waves that travel via rigid structures , rather than through the air. They are measured through sensors which are put on the material under test.

Airborne vs Structure
This document discusses airborne and structure-borne noise, including their causes and methods for reducing each type of noise. Airborne noise is transmitted through air and atmosphere, while structure-borne noise results from vibrations transmitted through direct contact with structures . Flanking noise can also occur as sound travels around separating elements. Methods for reducing noise ...
An example of structure-borne sound is the footsteps of a floor being heard in a room below or furniture being moved above! Whilst they are sometimes considered to be separate phenomena, airborne and structure-borne sound are related, in that airborne sound can cause structure-borne sound and vice versa.