Get rid of distractions. More peace, focus and productivity with Sound Masking!

Open-plan offices are known for noise and distractions. By adding a neutral background noise, Sound Masking masks annoying sounds such as phones and conversations. People need to make less effort to ignore those sounds, increasing concentration. Broad studies on workplace environments show that fewer distractions lead to higher satisfaction and productivity. Sound Masking is a good solution to dampen ambient noise and greatly reduce distractions.

Strict obligations are usually not in place, but in certain sectors (such as healthcare, government agencies and financial organisations), privacy regulations are increasing dramatically. In the United States, Sound Masking is used to comply with privacy guidelines in healthcare. In the Netherlands and Belgium, there is no legal requirement yet, but work comfort and privacy are becoming increasingly important issues.

Sound Masking can create a quieter sound environment and dampen unexpected noise spikes. Broad research literature shows that less noise contributes to lower stress levels and better concentration. Employees feel more comfortable when restless sounds are less predominant.

Sound Masking uses a subtle form of noise, often called ‘pink noise’. Psychoacoustic studies show that neutral noise distracts the brain less than music or other noise sources that attract attention. This creates an attenuating effect on ambient noise. These studies illustrate that noise can be used to eliminate unwanted sounds without being disruptive itself.

Sound Masking can be integrated with other AV applications, such as microphones, presentation screens and video conferencing. By slightly filling the sound environment, you can reduce annoying echoes or reverberation. Broad AV and acoustics studies often recommend a combination of solutions for optimal communication and privacy. TSR AV helps to install Sound Masking in such a way that it does not interfere with presentations or conferences, but instead contributes to a pleasant sound environment.

TSR AV offers a total process in which we look at the acoustic properties of your rooms, work processes and the privacy you want. We help with the design, installation and adjustment of the system. In doing so, we base ourselves on the insights from broader acoustic research to deliver a solution that works optimally. After delivery, we remain available for fine-tuning and maintenance, so that the desired quiet and discretion are maintained.

General acoustic research, such as from the University of Salford, suggests that a quiet environment in hospitals or treatment centres can reduce stress for patients. Sound Masking dampens sharper sounds or conversations, which can help create a calmer atmosphere. These studies show the benefits of less distracting sounds. Sound Masking also allows healthcare staff to communicate discreetly without conversations being audible to third parties.

In legal offices, discretion is essential. Spreading neutral background noise in meeting rooms and near workstations makes it harder for third parties to pick up conversations. This is in line with findings from acoustic research on the importance of confidentiality and a lower trigger threshold in the workplace. Thus, Sound Masking offers a practical solution to privacy issues without having to resort to isolated rooms or headphones.