Measurement of performance of unit silencers and silencing elements for ducted ventilating and air conditioning systems; aspects considered are attenuation of broad band airborne sound (insertion loss), generation of aerodynamic noise (generated noise level) by, and change in pressure in, air flowing through silencer. Methods measure insertion loss without airflow. Does not apply to silencers providing selective attenuation over narrow frequency bands, or to silencers designed for direct coupling to a fan or for sound insulation of partitions with ventilated openings.