Practical ways to reduce sound levels in the noisiest commercial places
Noise is a common problem in many indoor commercial environments. Excessive noise can be distracting, stressful, and harmful to those exposed, whether it’s the clatter of coffee machines in a busy café or the background chatter of an open-plan office.
In this news post, the Avenue team will explore the top five noisiest indoor commercial places, their decibel (dB) ratings, and how businesses can use commercial noise control to reduce the impact of noise on the wellbeing of both staff and customers.
1) Restaurants and cafes
Noise Level: 70-85 dB or higher
Restaurants and cafes are bustling activity hubs, with crowd chatter, background music, and kitchen noise all contributing to high decibel levels. The hard surfaces typically found in these environments – such as tiled floors, glass windows, and metal fixtures – reflect sound, amplifying noise levels. Conversations become difficult, and the overall atmosphere can become overwhelming for diners.
Commercial noise control for restaurants and cafes
- Install acoustic panels
Soft, sound-absorbing materials like custom acoustic panels can be mounted on venue walls or ceilings to absorb excess sound.
- Use soundproof dividers
Separating busy areas with acoustic room dividers can help to isolate noise.
- Incorporate soft furnishings
Adding carpets, curtains, and upholstered seating reduces sound reflection, improving the overall acoustics of the space.
2) Gyms and fitness centres
Noise level: 80+ dB
Fitness centres and gyms are typically filled with high-energy music, clanging weights, and the hum of treadmills or stationary bikes. Group fitness classes and personal training sessions add another layer of noise, while these venues’ large open spaces and hard surfaces amplify sound. In busy gyms, noise levels can regularly exceed 80 dB.
Commercial noise control for gyms and fitness centres
- Soundproof flooring
Rubberised or foam flooring helps to absorb the impact noise from dropped weights and moving equipment.
- Acoustic ceiling tiles
Adding sound-absorbing ceiling panels can help reduce reverberation, particularly in larger, open-plan gym spaces.
- Acoustic wall panels
These panels can be installed on walls or around workout stations to minimise echo and decrease noise levels.
3) Open-plan offices
Noise Level: 60-75 dB
Open-plan offices are designed to foster collaboration and communication, but often suffer from excessive noise. Employees may need help concentrating amidst ringing phones, conversations, and the hum of office equipment. The lack of sound barriers in an open plan office allows noise to travel freely, leading to distractions and decreased productivity.
Commercial noise control for open-plan offices
- Acoustic partitions
Installing freestanding acoustic dividers between desks or work areas can reduce noise transmission and create quieter zones for focused work.
- Acoustic ceiling baffles
Hanging sound-absorbing baffles from the ceiling helps to reduce overall noise and prevent sound from bouncing around the room.
- Quiet zones
Designating areas for quiet work or phone calls with soundproof booths can mitigate noise in open office environments.
4) Classrooms
Noise Level: 70+ dB
Classrooms, particularly in primary and secondary schools, are often noisy environments with students talking, moving around, and interacting with educational materials. Noise levels can regularly exceed 70 dB, affecting both teaching and learning. This noise makes it difficult for students to focus and for teachers to communicate effectively.
Commercial noise control for classrooms
- Acoustic wall panels
Adding sound-absorbing panels to classroom walls can reduce noise and make it easier for students to hear and concentrate.
- Soundproof ceiling tiles
Installing acoustic ceiling tiles in classrooms helps reduce reverberation, improving speech clarity for teachers.
- Soft flooring
Replacing hard floors with carpets or using rugs can help absorb sound and minimise noise from movement.
5) Hospitals (including emergency rooms and waiting areas)
Noise Level: 60-80 dB
Hospitals, especially emergency rooms and waiting areas, can be surprisingly noisy environments. Alarms, medical equipment, conversations, and public announcements all contribute to high noise levels, which can not only affect patients’ recovery and comfort, but also cause stress for medical staff.
Commercial noise control for emergency rooms and waiting areas
- Acoustic wall and ceiling panels
Installing sound-absorbing panels in waiting areas, hallways, and patient rooms can reduce the overall noise level and create a more peaceful environment.
- Quiet zones
Designating quiet areas for patients and visitors, particularly in waiting rooms, can help minimise noise exposure.
- Soundproof curtains
Using acoustic curtains around patient beds or in consultation rooms helps create privacy and blocks noise from surrounding areas.
Talk to Avenue for advice on commercial noise control solutions
High noise levels in commercial spaces can lead to discomfort, stress, and reduced productivity or customer satisfaction. Implementing effective noise control strategies – such as acoustic panels, soundproof dividers, and soft furnishings – can significantly reduce the impact of noise, creating a more pleasant and functional environment. Whether it’s a busy restaurant, a classroom, or an open-plan office, reducing noise is essential for the wellbeing of those who work and spend time in these spaces.
For more information on commercial noise control for solutions, visit Avenue Interior Systems online or call us on 1300 827 177. We offer a range of products designed to enhance acoustics in commercial environments.
