Sound machines are also known as sound conditioners and work by emitting ‘white noise’ to help block out or disguise extraneous distracting noises, and enhance the capacity to concentrate on tasks. The machines can be used to increase privacy of conversations in open plan environments, and improve understanding in conversations within noisy environments. Sound machines are also commonly used to assist with enhancing sleep by blocking out noise that is unavoidable.
A range of models and features are available including:
- portable models that can be shifted from office to office or be mounted or fixed in one location
- models with both AC adaptor for plug in power use and battery operated capacity for travel purposes
- adjustability of sounds and music with some models having capacity to add music and personalise
- timer function ensuring it switches off once you are asleep or out of the room or a gradual reduced volume setting after a set period of time
- office privacy units mounted on the wall and operated by desk based device
- combined units with alarm clock functions and varying alarm wake up sounds
- adjustable sound volume levels
- models that emit sound if a person finds an environment too quiet.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with hearing loss, tinnitus or those that have difficulty maintaining concentration such as within an open plan work environment, sound machines may be cost effective in reducing extraneous noise and allowing concentration on tasks. Sound machines can also enhance privacy of conversations by effectively blocking the audibility of conversations to anyone other than those in the immediate environment.
Sound machines may also assist in improving sleep patterns of persons who work shift work, or those that travel regularly for work and have difficulty sleeping in environments with sounds different from home. It may be appropriate to install sound machines to assist with noise reduction within the workplace, however this should be part of the workplace overall noise management and hearing protection program.
For more information on controlling noise, sounds and vibrations within the workplace, please see the links below:
References
Acoustical Surfaces, Inc. 2011, White Noise Machine, Acoustical Surfaces Inc., Minnesota, viewed 25 April 2011, http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/white_noise/white_noise.htm.
Sound Machines Direct 2010, Sound Machines Direct Home page, Sound Machines Direct, Minnesota, viewed 25 April 2011, http://www.soundmachinesdirect.com/.