Setting the Stage for Speech Privacy

It pays to keep a common sense approach to office acoustics. There are numerous practical and economical ways to cut down on unwanted noise transmission that are not only highly effective, but necessary first steps towards building a desirable acoustic environment. Remediation strategies such as electronic sound masking can only be effective if the underlying structural environment is relatively sound.

As acoustical consultants, CCR ASSOCIATES is frequently called in to assess ongoing acoustical problems in currently occupied office space. Once on site, it often becomes apparent that many acoustical problems are due to structural/design problems in the office, and that these design problems must be resolved before one can accurately assess the potential effectiveness of sound masking. Wall and ceiling voids, open air grills, low/no cubicle walls, poorly sealing doors and windows, poorly designed workstations, etc. are all very common. Common sense dictates that sound will transmit through openings, and that these openings should be sealed, if possible.


The chart above demonstrates how important it is to fix any underlying structural acoustical problems before attempting further remediation. Until an office reaches a Privacy Index of 60 or above, little acoustical benefit can be gained from sound masking or other electronic acoustical remediation. Above 60, increases in PI through sound masking or other means are considerably more effective.