Acoustical Ceiling Tiles
What is Sound Masking? Sound Masking vs Acoustic Treatments
Noise pollution in offices can be problematic for a number of reasons. Constant exposure to higher than average noise levels can have negative impacts on both our physical and mental health. In some instances, the noise levels may even affect a company’s bottom line through negative impacts on employees’ ability to concentrate, as well as the possible missed communications and deadlines that can result. That’s why, in workplaces with noise issues, sound masking is one of the more popular open office noise solutions.
What is Sound Masking?
Improving office acoustics with a dedicated sound masking system for office spaces can significantly reduce distractions, enhance speech privacy, and create a more comfortable working environment. This allows employees to focus better, reduces the likelihood of errors, and promotes overall well-being in the workplace.
Proper sound masking systems are often misunderstood as simply broadcasting “white noise” into the room, but they are much more precise and effective than simple white noise. Unlike white noise machines, professional sound masking systems emit a calibrated background sound – often tuned to match the frequency of human speech – which helps to gently obscure conversations and other distracting noises.
This article will cover how sound masking works, its benefits, and some alternative solutions for creating a better sounding, more comfortable work environment.
How Sound Masking Works
Our brains are wired to recognize and automatically tune into human speech. Even when we are trying to concentrate on the work at hand, nearby conversations can be nearly impossible to ignore, an auditory phenomenon known as the “cocktail party effect”. It explains why we can focus on a single conversation in a noisy environment, but also how we can be so easily distracted by nearby conversations. Our auditory system is always scanning for meaningful sounds, even when we think we are focused.
Sound masking works by raising the ambient/background noise in a room just enough to cover or “mask” speech, making it less distinct and therefore less distracting. It does not eliminate sound, but simply reduces the clarity and intelligibility of unwanted noise, helping to improve both concentration and speech privacy.
The components of a complete sound masking system include:
- Emitters: Small speakers installed into or near ceilings or near metal roof decks that distribute the masking sound evenly throughout the space.
- Controllers: Devices that manage the volume, tone, and distribution of sound across different zones or areas within the office.
- Software: Used to calibrate and fine-tune the system for optimal performance, often adapting to the unique acoustics and usage patterns of each space.
Systems are typically zoned, allowing for different sound levels in open work areas, private offices, meeting rooms, or conference room sound masking. When properly designed and installed, sound masking becomes nearly imperceptible, but its effects are almost immediately noticeable and do an amazing job at reducing open office distractions.
Does Sound Masking Really Work?
The idea of adding sound to reduce noise may seem counterintuitive, which is why it’s understandable that some people are skeptical about its ability to improve concentration in the workplace. With that said, sound masking is a proven acoustic strategy backed by both scientific research and real-world results.
In office settings, companies like Google, Microsoft, and General Services Administration (GSA) have implemented sound masking systems to improve focus and reduce conversational distractions. Businesses that implement sound masking often report improved employee productivity and noise reduction which results in increased speech privacy and reduced stress. As more organizations implement sound masking strategies, the evidence of its effectiveness grows exponentially.
Sound Masking in the Workplace
Modern office layouts often experience more noise issues than other types of spaces due to open office designs and the hard surfaces that make up the walls, floors, and ceilings. Implementing sound masking solutions can help balance privacy and collaboration in these spaces. Some areas that see significant benefits from sound masking include:
- Open Workspaces
- Conference Rooms
- Private Offices
- Call Centers
Office Design & Sound Masking
Modern architects and interior designers are increasingly interested in treating acoustics as a core component of office design. This is because office design and acoustics should go hand-in-hand when we are focused on maintaining comfortable environments where employees can concentrate on their work. The rise in open-plan offices, dedicated collaborative zones, and hybrid workspaces has accelerated the use of sound masking systems being integrated directly into layout planning for noise management.
Other Ways to Acoustically Treat Offices
When combined with strategic acoustic treatments like ceiling tiles, wall and ceiling panels, and acoustical treatments like hanging baffles or clouds, a sound masking system becomes a powerful tool in the design of quieter, more productive office environments. Even without the use of sound masking technology, these absorptive solutions can significantly reduce the amount of noise in the office and improve speech intelligibility by lowering the number of reflections off of hard surfaces as well as reducing the sound pressure in the space as a whole.
Echo Reduction & Reverberation Control
One of the most effective ways to reduce ambient noise and improve speech intelligibility is to introduce soft, absorptive materials to the space. These materials capture and dampen a good amount of sound wave reflections before they can create echo and reverberation problems that increase noise in the office and make conversations unclear. There are some options that perform just as well aesthetically as they do acoustically.
Acoustic Panels
One of the most prominent products in echo and reverberation reduction in spaces is the acoustic panel. Although there are many core materials available, acoustic panels for offices and similar professional environments are typically made from fabric-wrapped fiberglass or compressed polyester fibers. Most are mounted directly onto walls and ceilings to absorb mid- to high-frequency sounds and reduce echo. Acoustic panels can be made in a wide range of colors and can even be produced with custom printed fabric so your office sound absorption solutions increase brand visibility or double as artwork.
Ceiling Baffles and Clouds
Ceiling baffles and clouds can be suspended from the ceiling to absorb sound waves from multiple directions while adding visual appeal to the space. Both baffles and clouds are especially effective in large or high-ceilinged spaces, making them ideal solutions for open office spaces. Be sure that the installation of a baffle or a cloud does not inhibit the throw and coverage of a fire suppression sprinkler system or create strange shadows from lighting. It is also recommended to keep them away from HVAC system diffusers and moving air to reduce the amount of dust that would settle onto them and to keep them from swinging with the increased air movement.
Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
Another popular noise control product in office spaces are specialty, high-performance acoustic ceiling tiles. These easy-to-install acoustic solutions replace standard ceiling tiles in a T-grid and provide widespread absorption across the entire area.
Noise Control – Blocking Outside Noise
Another potential factor in keeping office noise levels down is blocking or reducing outside noise from entering the space. Noise from adjacent businesses and busy streets can disrupt employees and negatively impact concentration. Here are some ways to reduce the amount of noise in your office space.
Soundproofing Office Walls
Adding mass and density and eliminating the pathways that vibrational energy uses to transfer across wall assemblies are a few of the most effective ways of blocking outside noise. Decoupling surfaces to eliminate vibrational pathways, adding mass and density to make it more difficult for sound to pass from one side to the next, and using materials to dampen sound waves are all effective solutions.
Creating a double wall system is a common and effective approach, as long as you have the space to accommodate an extra set of studs. Adding multiple layers of drywall is another incredibly effective and cost effective step in reducing sound transmission.
Another noise reduction system that doesn’t require you to sacrifice as much space is installing a layer of mass loaded vinyl between the studs and drywall. It can be an effective way to add mass and density to your wall assembly without adding too much thickness to the wall.
Improve Performance of Windows
Outdated, single-paned windows are thermally inefficient and contribute to significant sound bleed. Upgrading them to a newer set with multiple panes will help on both fronts. If a new set of windows isn’t in the cards, you can achieve similar results with magnetic acoustic window inserts. They add a second, easily-removable window and air gap to improve both sound blocking ability and thermal efficiency. They come at a fraction of the cost of new windows, and they do not require removal of the existing windows.
Use Heavier Doors
Like weak windows, most hollow-core doors are not substantial enough to block sound from passing through. Replacing them with heavier solid-core acoustic doors will allow them to block outside sounds from penetrating into the space. However, even the heaviest and most substantial door won’t do much unless it’s properly gasketed, so make sure that your door is as airtight as possible. Even simple closed-cell weather stripping can help significantly.
Seal Gaps
Much of the sound that enters from windows and doors can be reduced by simply sealing any gaps or cracks which can often be found behind the trim. For gaps between the rough opening and the window or door jamb, remove the trim, fill most of the void with insulation or backer rod, and then apply acoustical sealant to make an air-tight barrier between the framing and jamb.. Once you reapply the trim, sealing it with acoustical sealant as well will help. If your issue is with an interior door, try installing a door seal kit with an automatic door bottom seal that will automatically lower a gasket to the ground when the door is closed. Airtight doors and windows are critical for soundproofing.
Speech Privacy – Soundproof Office Partitions
Soundproof office partitions can be a marginally effective solution for improving speech privacy in all kinds of workspaces. They create a physical line of sight barrier between spaces which can help to reduce distractions, which is beneficial. Most partitions also have absorptive products on each side which will help to reduce echo and reverberation in the space. However, because they do not effectively reduce the shared air space between two work spaces, they are not a great sound barrier.
Finding the Right Sound Masking Solution
Whether you’re dealing with distracting conversations, lack of workplace privacy, or just general noise issues in your space, sound masking can help. It can improve focus, enhance privacy, and create a more comfortable environment. But, while sound masking is a powerful tool, it works best when paired with other office noise control products.
If you’re unsure where to begin, let us know how we can help. Our wide range of products, amazing team members, and years of experience will ensure your noise control plan is customized to your unique space.
FAQs
Is sound masking the same as white noise?
No. While both are used as background sounds, sound masking is a precisely engineered noise, typically matching the frequencies associated with human speech. When comparing white noise vs. sound masking, sound masking provides a more effective and pleasant solution for speech privacy and noise control.
Can sound masking completely eliminate office noise?
No. Sound masking doesn’t block or absorb sound, but it makes distracting noises like conversations less intelligible and easier to ignore.
How much does a sound masking system cost?
The cost of a sound masking system can vary based on the size of the space and the complexity of the system. Like buying a vehicle, the price varies based on what you need.
Can I install a sound masking system myself?
There are some small plug-and-play systems available, but for large or acoustically complex spaces, professional installation is typically recommended, so they can be properly tuned for the space.
Does sound masking work for large open spaces?
Contact us today to make your space a calmer, more productive, and healthier environment for employees.
Sources:
- Noise Project. The Medical Effects of Noise Pollution. https://noiseproject.org/the-medical-effects-of-noise-pollution/
- High Performing Buildings. Tuning into Sound Masking.https://www.hpbmagazine.org/tuning-into-sound-masking/
