Spatial uniformity tolerances for sound masking systems in open-plan offices

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (1) ◽  
pp. 5643-5649
Author(s):  
Roderick Mackenzie ◽  
Farideh Zarei ◽  
Vincent Le Men
Keyword(s):  
Sound Field ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Fine Grid ◽  
Office Space ◽  
Ambient Sound ◽  
Spatial Uniformity ◽  
Field Uniformity ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
Discrete Measurement ◽  
Sound Masking

Electronic sound masking systems raise the ambient sound level in offices to a controlled minimum sound level in order to increase speech privacy and reduce distractions. Sound masking systems are calibrated to provide the most uniform sound field achievable, as a spatially non-uniform masking sound field could result in occupant perception and uneven speech privacy conditions. Tolerances for acceptable spatial uniformity vary between specifiers, and may be based on different evaluation methods using only a few discrete measurement points to represent an entire office space. However, the actual uniformity of a masking sound field across an office, and the parameters influencing it, has not been widely investigated. Thus, this study aims to investigate the masking sound uniformity in a typical open-plan office space using fine-grid measurements conforming to measurement method of ASTM E1573-18. Percentages of measured locations where the sound pressure levels were within specified tolerances (with increments of 0.5 dB) were calculated using the measured 1/3 octave band levels. The research also utilized geometric acoustical simulations to investigate how physical office parameters (number of loudspeakers, partition heights, ceiling absorption, and diffusion characteristics) affect the sound field uniformity of the sound masking system.

The spatial uniformity of an electronic sound masking system in an open-plan space

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 (4) ◽  
pp. 2440-2440
Author(s):  
Joonhee Lee ◽  
Farideh Zarei ◽  
Roderick Mackenzie ◽  
Vincent Le Men
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Sound ◽  
Spatial Uniformity ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
Sound Masking

The effect of sound masking on employees' acoustic comfort and performance in open-plan offices in Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (1) ◽  
pp. 5678-5683
Author(s):  
Roderick Mackenzie ◽  
Joonhee Lee ◽  
Vincent Le Men ◽  
Farideh Zarei
Keyword(s):  
Work Performance ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Acoustic Comfort ◽  
Sound Environment ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
Sound Masking ◽  
And Performance

Sound masking systems are commonly used in open-plan offices to generate a controlled minimum level of background sound, in order to decrease the signal-to-noise ratio of intrusive speech and blend out transient office noise. However, a question in the acoustical design of offices is whether the self-generated noise of occupants may alone be sufficient to provide the background sound level conditions necessary to achieve similar levels of speech privacy and acoustic comfort as sound masking systems. This study examines the relationship between occupant-perceived speech privacy and acoustic comfort under three different acoustic scenarios (no masking, controlled 42 dBA, and 47 dBA masking sound levels). The study was conducted pre-COVID-19 in two separate open-plan offices located in Quebec, Canada that at the time were close to full occupancy. Employees completed subjective questionnaires before and after each change in conditions, focusing on how the sound environment impacted their comfort and work performance during the study. Statistical results show that the occupants were significantly more satisfied during the two sound masking conditions in comparison to the no-masking condition, where only the occupant-generated and exterior/mechanical system noise was present as the background sound. Implications for open-plan offices with lower occupancy conditions post-COVID-19 are discussed.

scholarly journals The Impact of Notification Modality and Ambient Sound on Users’ Mobile Interaction

Symmetry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 395
Author(s):  
Chien-Hsiung Chen ◽  
Miao Huang
Keyword(s):  
Completion Time ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Maze Task ◽  
Task Completion Time ◽  
Mobile Interaction ◽  
Ambient Sound ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
The Impact

This study investigated the impacts of different notification modalities used in low and high ambient sound environments for mobile phone interaction. Three different notification modalities—Shaking Visual, Shaking Visual + Vibration, and Vibration—were designed and experimentally tested by asking users to conduct a maze task. A total of 72 participants were invited to take part in the experiment through the convenience sampling method. The generated results indicated that (1) the notification modality affects participants’ task completion time, (2) the error rate pertinent to the number of notifications is positively related to the participants’ task completion time, and (3) the ambient sound level and notification modalities impact the overall experience of the participants. The main contributions of this study are twofold. First, it verifies that the multi-dimensional feature of a Shaking Visual + Vibration synesthesia notification design is implementable. Second, this study demonstrated that the synesthesia notification could be feasible for mobile notification, and it was more perceptible by the users.

Noise Exposure Associated With Hearing Aid Use in Industry

1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Dolan ◽  
James F. Maurer
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
High Gain ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Weighted Averages ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Listening Environments ◽  
Level Meter

Although noise may be innocuous in many vocational environments, there is a growing concern in industry that it can reach hazardous levels when amplified by hearing aids. This study examined the daily noise exposures associated with hearing aid use in industry. This was done by both laboratory and site measurements in which hearing aids were coupled to the microphone of an integrating sound level meter or dosimeter. The former method involved the use of recorded railroad and manufacturing noise and a Bruel and Kjaer 4128 Head and Torso simulator. In the latter procedure, a worker wore one of three hearing aids coupled to a dosimeter during 8-hour shifts in a manufacturing plant. Both methods demonstrated that even when amplified by mild-gain hearing aids, noise exposures rose from time-weighted averages near 80 dBA to well above the OSHA maximum of 90 dBA. The OSHA maximum was also exceeded when moderate and high gain instruments were worn in non-occupational listening environments. The results suggest that current OSHA regulations that limit noise exposure in sound field are inappropriate for hearing aid users.

Coregulation in Salivary Cortisol During Maternal Holding of Premature Infants

2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madalynn Neu ◽  
Mark L. Laudenslager ◽  
JoAnn Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Holding Time ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Ambient Sound ◽  
Antenatal Steroids ◽  
Postconceptional Age ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine coregulation between mothers and preterm infants in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system activity, as indicated by salivary cortisol levels, while mothers held their infants. The research questions were (a) does mother—infant coregulation in HPA activity occur during holding? and (b) if mother— infant coregulation in HPA activity exists during holding, do type of holding, antenatal steroids, sound level, and maternal touch influence this coregulation? Sample: The sample consisted of 20 mother— infant dyads with infants at a mean postconceptional age of 34.7 weeks (+0.7) and average postnatal age of 15 days (+9) at the time of cortisol sampling. Design: The design was exploratory using convenience sampling. Maternal and infant cortisol levels were obtained at Time 1 (baseline) and Time 2 (end of holding); at each time, the absolute differences in levels between mother and infant were determined. Coregulation was operationalized as less difference between maternal-infant cortisol levels immediately after holding (Time 2) as compared to before holding (Time 1). Results: The two variables with the highest correlation with the Time 1/Time 2 difference score included antenatal steroids and ambient sound level, which were entered into a linear regression equation as predictor variables. A coregulatory relationship in cortisol levels existed between mothers and infants during holding, which was moderated by sound levels. Nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can facilitate the mother—infant relationship, as reflected in coregulatory measures, by promoting a quiet environment, particularly around mothers who are holding their infants.

Field study for the evaluation of the acoustic quality of open-plan offices

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (4) ◽  
pp. 2544-2549
Author(s):  
Patrick Chevret ◽  
Thomas Bonzom ◽  
Lucas Lenne ◽  
Laurent Brocolini ◽  
Julien Marchand
Keyword(s):  
Service Industry ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Occupational Accidents ◽  
Work Organisation ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
Sound Masking

Even if the global health crisis is currently changing the work organisation in offices in the service industry, the problem of noise in open plan offices remains a major challenge with regard to occupational health and well-being. Since 2012, the French National Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS) has been carrying out acoustic surveys in French open-plan offices by measuring both some usual indicators of empty offices (Tr, D2S, Lp4m, rc, Lp) and also the ambient noise levels in activity. In addition, GABO questionnaires have been proposed to employees to assess their perception of the noise environment. So far, 50 open spaces were evaluated, with more or less data collected depending on the situation encountered. Approximately 1,400 employees have already answered the questionnaire. All of the sites visited cover the entire set of activities described by the ISO 22955 standard. An analysis of the links between the acoustic parameters and the perception of employees was carried out. This analysis provides additional information to the studies on the choice of acoustic descriptors and on the use of sound masking systems that aim to control background noise to reduce noise disturbance due to intelligible conversations.

scholarly journals Measuring the Marine Soundscape of the Indian Ocean with Southern Elephant Seals Used as Acoustic Gliders of Opportunity

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 207-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorian Cazau ◽  
Julien Bonnel ◽  
Joffrey Jouma’a ◽  
Yves le Bras ◽  
Christophe Guinet
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
Elephant Seals ◽  
Ambient Sound ◽  
Southern Elephant Seals ◽  
Operational Systems ◽  
The Indian Ocean ◽  
Passive Acoustic ◽  
Free Ranging

AbstractThe underwater ambient sound field contains quantifiable information about the physical and biological marine environment. The development of operational systems for monitoring in an autonomous way the underwater acoustic signal is necessary for many applications, such as meteorology and biodiversity protection. This paper develops a proof-of-concept study on performing marine soundscape analysis from acoustic passive recordings of free-ranging biologged southern elephant seals (SES). A multivariate multiple linear regression (MMLR) framework is used to predict the measured ambient noise, modeled as a multivariate acoustic response, from SES (depth, speed, and acceleration) and environmental (wind) variables. Results show that the acoustic contributions of SES variables affect mainly low-frequency sound pressure levels (SPLs), while frequency bands above 3 kHz are less corrupted by SES displacement and allow a good measure of the Indian Ocean soundscape. Also, preliminary results toward the development of a mobile embedded weather sensor are presented. In particular, wind speed estimation can be performed from the passive acoustic recordings with an accuracy of 2 m s−1, using a rather simple multiple linear model.

scholarly journals Long-term effects of the use of a sound masking system in open-plan offices: A field study

2020 ◽  
Vol 158 ◽  
pp. 107049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Lenne ◽  
Patrick Chevret ◽  
Julien Marchand
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
Sound Masking

scholarly journals 0734 Does Noise Masking Improve Sleep Consolidation In Patients Weaning From Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation?

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A279-A279
Author(s):  
H Shaikh ◽  
P Chung ◽  
A Jubran ◽  
M Tobin ◽  
F Laghi
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Environmental Sound ◽  
Recording Time ◽  
Noise Masking ◽  
Arousal Index ◽  
Ambient Sound ◽  
Fragmentation Index ◽  
Sound Masking

Abstract Introduction Sound masking is a noise reduction strategy that adds a mixed-frequency blend of ambient sound to the environment and may improve sleep. Critically ill patients often cite noise as one of the main factors preventing sleep while they are cared for in an intensive care unit (ICU). The effect of sound masking on sleep in patients weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation is unknown. Methods 12-hour overnight polysomnography was obtained in eight patients undergoing weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation. None had hearing impairment, delirium, sedation or agitation. In random order, patients were exposed to sound masking half of the recording time. Noise events were defined a 10dB increase from baseline or any sound peak over 75dB. Arousals or awakenings were attributed to noise if they occurred within 5 seconds of the noise event. Results Environmental sound was 61.7± 0.9 dB (mean±SE) during sound masking and 55.9±1.4 dB during no sound masking. During sound masking, there were fewer sound events per hour of sleep when compared to no sound masking (4.1/hr vs 9.3/hr p=0.03). The percentage of sound events leading to a subsequent arousal or awakening with sound masking was less than during no sound masking:11% vs 22% (p=0.04). Arousal index and fragmentation index (arousal and awakenings/hr of sleep) were similar between the two conditions. In a post-study survey, five patients reported improved sleep quality with sound masking while the remaining three reported no difference. Conclusion Sound masking decreases sound-induced arousal from sleep in patients being weaned from prolonged mechanical ventilation. Support Veterans Administration Research Service

Productivity drivers of knowledge workers in the central London office environment

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Chadburn ◽  
Judy Smith ◽  
Joshua Milan
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Knowledge Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Office Environment ◽  
Individual Preferences ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Office Space ◽  
Open Plan ◽  
Personal Productivity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the drivers that allow for enhanced personal productivity of knowledge-based workers in Central London focusing on the physical and social environment as well as worker’s individual preferences. Design/methodology/approach A closed-ended questionnaire was sent to employees of eight professional companies (Consultancy, Financial and Media Services) based in Central London. Of the 500 questionnaires sent, 213 were successfully completed and returned, representing a response rate of 42.6 per cent. Findings The findings from this trial study show that comfort, convenience, IT connectivity, good design and working to a specific time scale were strong drivers of personal productivity. Knowledge workers prefer a flexible range of office settings that enable both a stimulating open and connected work environment, knowledge sharing, collaboration, as well as quiet concentration locations, free of distractions and noise. It was also found that moves of knowledge workers into open-plan office space (and especially fee earners) is normally met with initial resistance. However, there is normally greater acceptance of open space after experiencing an actual move into open-plan, with benefits improving teamwork and communication being highlighted. The research also stresses that office design considerations need to be closer aligned with knowledge worker’s overall well-being and individual psychological needs. Research limitations/implications Limited to Central London offices and self-assessed evaluation of productivity drivers within the knowledge worker’s office environment. Practical implications Corporate real estate managers and office occupiers, designers and facilities managers can use the findings as part of their workplace strategy by providing a range of flexible workplaces that allow the knowledge worker a place for greater personal productivity through the provision of a well-designed collaborative office environment alongside private and quiet working spaces. Developers and landlords should also be aware of these requirements when taking their decisions. Originality/value This paper focuses specifically on the high-productivity knowledge-based work environment, demonstrating that there is a need to consider the collaborative physical and social environment and the individual preferences of knowledge workers to ensure enhanced personal productivity and well-being within the office. This can be achieved through the provision of a well-designed office space that allows for open, connected and comfortable work environments, as well as opportunities to use dedicated concentration spaces that are free of distraction. It was also shown that hot-desking was unanimously disliked by knowledge workers.

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