Sound masking is electronically generated low background sound that will mask conversational and unwanted background noise at the listener's ear.

Purpose
Soundmasking reduces conversational distractions in order to increase concentration, productivity, and accuracy. In private offices or healthcare facilities, sound masking increases speech privacy to retain the confidentiality of conversations.  Installation of soundmasking also masks the sounds of office equipment, building systems, and exterior noise.

Where can sound masking be used?
Open plan areas, private offices, corridors, call centers, conference rooms, healthcare facilities, and any area where confidential information is being discussed.

Some office buildings can have soundmasking all throughout, or only on certain floors, portions of floors, or specific rooms. The system can be designed to work more heavily in some areas and less in others. It can be used to minimize distractions in one large open room located next to an executive conference room, where it is used to protect confidentiality.

Costs
Sound Masking is a low cost item and is priced based on the ceiling heights and the amount of people per square foot.

Return on Investment 
The return on investment is higher due to the increased productivity, accuracy, and concentration among listeners. The sound masking system is also portable, therefore it can be moved to a new space, if need be.

Installation
The sound masking speakers are typically installed above suspended ceilings. There are also sound masking speakers available for those who do not have suspended ceilings. 

HIPAA Regulations
This regulation states that as of April 2003, healthcare providers, doctors offices, employers, vendors, service organizations, medical schools, health care plans, and those who conduct administrative and financial transactions through oral communication, must keep personal information concealed.
Sound Masking aids in the speech privacy for waiting rooms, exam rooms, patient rooms, treatment rooms, interview rooms, reception areas, nurses stations, and open areas.

Radius of Distraction
The distance required between employees to achieve acceptable speech privacy in an open plan. Typically in an unfinished space, there is about 50 feet of distractable space, but with sound masking this level of distraction can be lowered to as little as 11 feet. 

Contact us to find out how your organization can benefit from soundmasking.