The Soundmask Blog
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How does sound masking work?
Sound masking works by adding a background sound to a space. This is usually because background sound levels are too low. A simple example of a masking sound is a radio or television. Indeed, some doctors offices use a radio to create speech privacy. The sound of the radio reduces the intelligibility of the speech.…
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Understanding ISO 22955:2021 — the recent standard for the acoustic quality of open office spaces
For years, designing an open-plan office was often a tug-of-war between aesthetics and functionality. We wanted collaborative spaces, but we ended up with environments where you could hear the telephone argument a colleague was having with his wife from the other side of the office. While older standards focused primarily on noise levels, the introduction…
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Managing the Rise of Drone Noise
The rapid evolution of modern technology has brought incredible convenience to our lives. But it has also introduced a new environmental challenge: noise pollution. From the constant hum of urban traffic to the emerging buzz of delivery drones in our skies, managing the acoustic landscape is more critical than ever for our health and productivity.…
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Creating a Modern Learning Oasis: The Junghwa Middle School Case Study
For decades, the golden rule of school libraries was silence. But as educational philosophies evolve, so too must the spaces where students gather. The traditional, pin-drop quiet library is increasingly being replaced by dynamic, multi-purpose learning hubs. However, this shift presents a significant acoustic challenge. How do you balance the energy of a collaborative cafe-style…
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Why Data Center Noise is the New Frontier of Urban Planning
As the digital world expands, the physical infrastructure supporting it is introducing new sources of environmental noise. Recent reports, including a detailed analysis by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), highlight a growing acoustic tension. This tension is between the rapid expansion of data center noise and the quiet of the communities that host them.…
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Acoustic Stability: The Missing Link in Hospital Health and Safety
In the demanding environment of a medical facility, noise is more than just a byproduct of a busy floor—it is a critical factor in hospital health and safety. While we often focus on hygiene and physical hazards, the auditory environment plays a massive role in the accuracy of care and the wellbeing of the people providing…
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Amanda Robinson Interview
Welcome back to our acoustic consultants interview series. Today we’re interviewing Amanda Robinson who joins us from her new consultancy the Acoustic Design Collective in Scotland. Amanda brings over 20 years of global expertise in acoustic strategies to create world-class sound environments. She is accredited as a Professional Engineer by Professional Engineers Ontario and a…
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Is Sound Masking Safe?
When organisations consider acoustic treatments for their offices or medical facilities, one of the first questions asked is: “Is sound masking safe?” Whether it’s for a corporate headquarters or a sensitive healthcare environment, ensuring the wellbeing of staff, clients, and even infants is a top priority. The short answer is yes. Soundmask systems are specifically engineered to…
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Circadian Rhythm: How Your Sleep Environment Impacts Heart Health and Cognition
In the quiet of the night, our bodies are hard at work. While we sleep, our systems undergo a complex restorative process that regulates everything from cognitive function to cardiovascular health. However, as recent research suggests, the “when” and “how” of our sleep are just as critical as the “how long.” The Body Clock and Heart Health A…
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Geoffrey Harris Interview
Welcome back to our acoustic consultants interview series. Today we’re interviewing Geoffrey Harris who is a Director at Herring Storer Acoustics in Perth. Welcome Geoff, please tell our readers a little about yourself… Hi, I’m Geoff, and I’ve been an Acoustic Consultant (now Director) with Herring Storer Acoustics for 15 years now. I’m the company’s…
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Enhancing Privacy for Hume City Council’s Maternal & Child Health Nurse Suites
Providing essential support and health checks for new parents and their children, the Maternal & Child Health Nurse (MCHN) services at Hume City Council are a vital community resource. When the Council refurbished its MCHN suites at the Aitken Hill and Greenvale sites, the goal was to create a modern, high-quality environment for these sensitive consultations.…
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