Sound masking is the inclusion of generated sound (commonly, though inaccurately, referred to as “white noise” or “pink noise”) into an environment to mask unwanted sound. It relies on auditory masking.

Sound masking is ambient background sound engineered to match the frequency of human speech for greater speech privacy. Adding sound to a space actually makes the space seem quieter. It sounds counter-intuitive but it’s true.

Sound masking is a technique used to reduce the perception of noise and increase privacy in an environment by adding a low-level, unobtrusive background sound. The purpose of sound masking is to make conversations and other noises less intelligible and distracting, creating a more comfortable and productive space. Here are some key points about sound masking:

1. Background Noise: Sound masking involves introducing a gentle, continuous background noise into a space. This noise is usually a combination of frequencies that are carefully engineered to mask or reduce the audibility of other sounds in the environment.
2. Frequency Spectrum: The sound masking signal typically spans a broad range of frequencies, including low, mid, and high frequencies. It is designed to match the frequency spectrum of human speech, as conversations are often the most distracting and intelligible sounds in an environment.
3. Volume and Distribution: The volume of the sound masking system is carefully calibrated to be just loud enough to mask other noises without being disruptive or intrusive. The sound is distributed evenly throughout the space using strategically placed speakers or emitters.
4. Privacy and Confidentiality: Sound masking helps improve privacy and confidentiality by reducing the intelligibility of conversations and other sensitive information. It makes it more difficult for people to overhear conversations, enhancing confidentiality in environments such as offices, healthcare facilities, or call centers.
5. Benefits: Sound masking has several potential benefits. It can improve speech privacy, reduce distractions, increase focus, and create a more comfortable acoustic environment. It is commonly used in open-plan offices, libraries, hospitals, and other spaces where privacy and concentration are important.
6. Sound Masking Systems: Sound masking systems typically consist of a central control unit, speakers or emitters, and sometimes additional components such as microphones for adaptive adjustment. The systems can be customized to the specific needs and layout of the environment.

It’s important to note that sound masking is different from noise cancellation or noise isolation. While noise cancellation aims to actively eliminate or neutralize external sounds, sound masking introduces a controlled background sound to reduce the impact of other noises. The effectiveness of sound masking depends on factors such as the design of the system, the ambient noise levels, and the specific requirements of the environment.