Sound Masking FAQ

How does sound masking work? For reference, a whisper is 30 dB, city traffic is If you recall your high school physics class, 90 dB, and a rock concert is 120 dB. Human sound energy travels in waves and is measured speech hovers around 60 dB, and most office in frequency (Hz) and amplitude (dB). By managers set their sound masking systems at a pressurizing a space with frequencies the same similar level. as those of human speech, the sound waves of speech are jumbled and conversations outside Not only is sound masking not detrimental—it’s an immediate radius become unintelligible. beneficial. Studies have shown that engineered can actually improve memory and How does sound masking differ from white concentration in addition to acoustic privacy. noise? Audio engineers have categorized different How should I introduce sound masking to my types of sound with color. contains office and employees? all audible frequencies, and includes many of Before your installation, take note of key noise the sounds we hear on a daily basis—but not metrics throughout the office. For example, necessarily the pleasant ones. White noise tracks from how many feet away can you hear your have a static-like hissing quality. coworkers’ conversations? This will be important in providing proof of efficacy to your employees. Pink noise is similar, but its amplitude decreases at a steady rate as frequency increases. This For some individuals, change is unwelcome— noise pattern sounds like a “Sshhh,” which many even if it could be helpful in the long run. For best listeners find to be more balanced and pleasant results, schedule your sound masking installation than white noise. before a holiday, or for a Friday afternoon. When employees enter the building Monday morning, Traditional office sound masking systems from they will only hear a slight difference in the the 1970s used white noise, thus creating the overall sound of the office. To many individuals, connection between the two. Today, most sound a new sound masking installation sounds like the masking systems use variations of pink noise as it HVAC system is running a little louder than usual. is far more targeted to mask human speech. Some employees will adjust immediately, while Does listening to sound masking all day have others may report that the noise is distracting. negative health effects? For the latter, recall for them the previous lack of Modern sound masking systems that use pink acoustic privacy in comparison to the current set noise (or similar) at a reasonable decibel level do up. Has the distance from which you can hear not have negative health effects. Occupational a conversation decreased? Monitor your sound Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sound masking for 30 days to fully assess its efficacy. guidelines warn against prolonged exposure to Sound masking systems are adjustable; Reach sound of 85 dB or more, which sound masking out to your installer with any questions. systems should never reach.

V2.07.20