Sound masking is a very simple fix for a common office need: privacy. As they say, what you don’t know can’t hurt you – and this certainly applies in the workplace where an overheard conversation can be potentially damaging.
What is sound masking and why is it important?
Sound masking is the process of creating background noise that inhibits the ability of others to overhear conversations. It also deters noise and helps to reduce unwanted distractions. Sound masking is acoustically engineered to match the frequency of human speech, making its privacy very effective.
How does it work?
Believe it or not, when you add certain types of sound to a space, it makes the space seem quieter. It’s somewhat counter-intuitive, but the added sound-masking raises the ambient noise level and thus reduces the audibility of our speech to others. When you cannot make out what someone is saying, your brain subconsciously ignores the speech and the sound ceases to be a distraction.
What does it sound like?
If configured correctly, sound masking is relatively unnoticeable and sounds like gentle airflow. It is designed and engineered to blend into the background of your workspace and contribute to overall working ambiance. Contrary to a common misconception, sound masking should not be mistaken for “white noise” which, when amplified, is unpleasant to listen to – similar to a non-working radio station playing nothing but static.
Want to try out a demo sound masking system? Contact us for more information!
