A sound masking system can make a world of difference in your office space. A method for masking unwanted noise is crucial anywhere that privacy is a concern, or where you don’t want intrusive noise to distract your clients and employees. At Avant Acoustics, we are experts in the art and science of sound masking. Sometimes known as a “white noise system” a sound masking system can improve employee performance by cutting down distractions, improving comfort and providing greater speech privacy.

 

 

Open office spaces have become the norm for many companies in recent years. Designed to enhance collaboration, improve communication and provide a sense of additional space for employees and guests, these open spaces can be beneficial to the people working in them. In addition, open plan offices can save operational costs including real estate and office infrastructure. However, anyone who has tried to work in a room full of other people knows how easy it is to become distracted in such an environment. Colleagues talking on the telephone may be overheard by others who are meeting in collaborative spaces nearby. Visitors walking through the facility may overhear sensitive information, either intentionally or by accident. This is where a sound masking system can help.

 

How does sound masking work? Pink noise or white noise is emitted into the space through an unobtrusive array of loudspeakers or sound emitters. This raises the overall threshold of sound, or “noise floor” in the environment. For speech within the space to be intelligible, speakers must overcome that threshold. Since most people talking privately to one another or on the telephone will not exceed that threshold, both unintentional and intentional eavesdropping can be reduced or eliminated. When it is properly designed, occupants will not even notice the sound masking system. 

 

Sound masking can be useful in other environments, too. In a medical office it is vitally important that patients in the waiting room do not overhear others speaking with the office staff about their medical or personal information. Likewise, bank customers do not want others to overhear their conversations regarding personal financial information.

 

The improved speech privacy and reduced distractions a sound masking system provides will make occupants feel more comfortable and aid in productivity. According to studies by the National Institutes of Health, pink noise can “increase the possibility of better judgment, implementation, and overall environment” while exposure to white noise “resulted in a better executive function test.” The impact of such systems is so important that the Center for Workplace Strategy within the General Services Administration of the Federal Government provides sound masking guidelines for Federal buildings. 

Another benefit of a sound masking system is that in some circumstances, the same components used to mask unwanted sound can be used for paging systems, eliminating the need for additional equipment. At Avant Acoustics we are so convinced of the benefits of our sound masking system, we use it in our own office!

The acoustics and sound masking experts at Avant Acoustics work with companies across the United States and around the world to improve working environments and improve productivity. Whether it’s an open office in Los Angeles, a noisy physician’s office in Boston, or a Chicago bank, you can trust us to work with you to implement the best system for your needs. Every space is unique. Contact us online or at 913-888-9111 to discuss your needs. We look forward to working with you.