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If you work at the office, then you would definitely agree how much of a nuisance the sound of conversations between other people can be. A tableau of office noises like human voice and sounds coming out from equipment can affect workers' concentration and lower productivity levels. As a result, you are most likely to see exhausted employees and a cranky boss.

You can wear headphones to keep away unwanted noise, or you can avail of office sound masking in the office. Offices started using the concept five decades ago and today, improved sound masking technology is enjoyed by many offices. Office sound masking takes its roots to physics principles, working by disguising conversations and other noise into more "acceptable" and less distracting sound. Usually installed on the ceiling, installing a sound masking system might just be the answer to your office regarding privacy and productivity.

With sound masking, you can be sure that private dealings remain confidential. It works by "filling in" the sound spectrum surrounding you with low-level noise. The human ear actually operates like a satellite dish. It is able to pick up "structured" sounds like music, language, and alerting sounds. In the same way, it can tune out unstructured or monotone sounds. Sound masking allows you to hear conversations from another room but you will not be able to understand it.

The most effective type of sound masking used today is the direct-field system. This economical and easy-to-install office sound masking system was invented around 1998. It uses an ultra-wide-angle speaker that disperses sound at a 170-degree angle. Compared to older models consisting of a confusing mix of speaker networks, sound absorbers, and reflective materials, the direct-field system is much simpler to install.

An office sound masking system should be installed in the part of the office where noise is most heard; not necessarily the source. Usually, sound masking is installed in the open office area. However, you can also designate two separate sound masking zones. Sound masking can also prevent noise from enclosed offices from building up so what's confidential stays confidential.

Remember that sound masking is not the same as sound cancellation. Noise cancellation systems are not yet manufactured on a commercial scale. There are military-grade installations that totally cancel noise but they are too expensive to be used on an office setting.