The importance of soundproofing in the care of the elderly

Acoustics in senior care is coming to the fore, and senior care providers are increasingly looking to address noise reduction. Appropriate acoustics in the facility has a direct impact on the health and well-being of both seniors and workers. Thoughtful design can reduce the impact of noise and improve the quality of life in the facility.

Noise can impair the health and well-being of seniors

High noise levels can lead to stress reactions such as anxiety, confusion, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and overstimulation fatigue. Noise has also been shown to slow wound healing, reduce weight gain and impair immune function, with the effect of noise on health and well-being magnified in people with dementia.

An older ear is much more affected by room acoustics than a younger ear

As we age, our hearing changes. We can't hear high notes like we used to and our audible range is shrinking. This means that even a normal conversation can be problematic, even if there is not a lot of background noise. Unintelligible conversation in noise can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and confusion.

Noise can be solved in three ways - sound absorption, blocking, and masking

Good sound absorption will increase speech intelligibility and reduce ambient noise, which is critical for the elderly and especially for people with hearing impairments and dementia. You can provide sound absorption through surfaces such as floors, home textiles, and soft-applied acoustic materials.

Sound-blocking products are designed to stop sound from coming in or out. They are particularly important in facilities for the elderly, as they prevent noise from penetrating between rooms, helping to increase the quietness of the building. It is silence that is important for relaxation and overall mental well-being.

The last option is sound masking, which means that another sound is added to the room. Active noise control, also known as noise cancellation, is a method of reducing unwanted sound by adding a second sound specifically designed to cancel the first. A combination of all three will result in noise removal.

The acoustics of the space should be considered at the beginning of the design process, but they can also be solved afterward. Contact us, we will provide customized noise reduction and improve the sound in your facility for seniors.