While data breaches often make the news, the problem of sound transmission looms large for those who value speech privacy or simply freedom from unwanted noise.

Defining sound transmission

Any noise the moves between or through objects can be considered sound or acoustic transmission. In an open plan office, for example, sound can transmit over partitions. In meeting rooms, if walls are thin, the sound can go right on through those walls. Even if the walls are well specified, gaps under doors or between the wall and ceiling can allow sound to bleed between spaces. Also, in the most perfectly specified space, if the background sound levels are too low, sound can transmit between areas.

Is it a problem?

Sound transmission is not always a problem. It’s necessary for having a conversation! But what we’re talking about here is the unwanted variety. For example, instances of high speech intelligibility—where confidential conversations are clearly audible—can be a problem, especially for professionals whose clients expect privacy. Similarly, in open plan call centres, too much noise leads to distractions, errors, and productivity loss.

Solving the problem

In the case of sound bleeding between meeting rooms, doctor’s offices, and so on, sometimes simple solutions like door seals can reduce the problem. However, where there is low background sound, or where other solutions have failed, sound masking is a cost effective solution.

If you’re having a problem with sound transmission, why not contact us to discuss it?