8 ways to improve acoustics and reduce noise in healthcare facilities
Noise in medical settings can be a significant stress source for staff and patients. Excessive noise levels can interfere with communication, increase anxiety, disrupt sleep, and even hinder patient recovery. That is why controlling noise must be a priority in environments where silence and focus are fundamental.
Let’s explore the top 8 ways to reduce noise in the medical industry and create quieter, more effective healing spaces.
1) Using acoustic wall panels
Acoustic wall panels absorb sound, reducing echoes and reverberations. They are an efficient way to reduce noise in hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, and other healthcare settings. The panels are available in various designs, including decorative options that can enhance medical facilities’ aesthetic appeal. Custom acoustic panels – like Avenue Interior System’s Calando Acoustic Panels – are perfect for reception areas, corridors, and consultation rooms where noise can travel.
2) Installing acoustic ceiling tiles
Even though ceilings are often overlooked as a source of noise reduction in the medical industry, acoustic ceiling tiles are one of the most effective ways to manage sound. Installing sound-absorbing ceiling tiles in medical settings helps reduce overhead noise, especially in large, busy spaces such as waiting rooms, wards, and emergency departments.
3) Utilising soundproof doors
Soundproof doors play a fundamental role in keeping noise from travelling between rooms. In the medical industry, maintaining confidentiality is key, particularly in patient consultation rooms. Soundproof doors can significantly reduce sound transfer, creating a quiet, private space for patient-doctor interactions.
4) Investigating quiet flooring options
Hard flooring surfaces such as tiles can reflect noise, making it difficult to maintain a quiet environment. Opting for sound-absorbing materials such as carpet tiles or rubber flooring can help dampen the noise from footsteps and equipment. Additionally, implementing soft-soled shoes for staff can further reduce the noise generated on hard surfaces.
5) Investing in silent medical equipment
Investing in quieter medical equipment is another effective way to reduce noise in healthcare facilities. Many modern medical devices, from infusion pumps to hospital beds, are designed with noise reduction in mind. Replacing or upgrading noisy equipment can lead to a more peaceful environment, especially in wards and patient rooms.
6) Creating acoustic enclosures
Medical facilities often have mechanical rooms or areas with loud equipment like air conditioning units and generators. Installing acoustic enclosures around these machines can significantly reduce noise, preventing it from affecting surrounding spaces. Avenue’s parent company Flexshield offers acoustic enclosures that are custom-built to mitigate the impact of industrial noise, even in highly sensitive environments like hospitals.
7) Installing noise control in HVAC systems
While heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are vital for maintaining air quality, they can also be noisy. Ensuring HVAC systems are properly insulated and maintained can help reduce the noise they generate. Installing acoustic louvres can reduce the sound from airflows and mechanical components in particularly noisy areas.
8) Training staff on noise awareness
Even with the best noise control solutions, staff behaviour plays an important role in maintaining a quiet healthcare environment. Providing staff with noise awareness training can help them understand how their actions – such as closing doors gently, speaking quietly, and managing equipment – can minimise noise throughout the facility. This training helps to create a culture of noise reduction that benefits patients and employees alike.
Talk to Avenue about noise reduction for the medical industry
Reducing noise in the medical industry isn’t just about creating a peaceful environment; it’s about improving patient outcomes, protecting confidentiality, and enhancing staff performance. By investing in a combination of soundproofing solutions and noise-conscious practices, medical facilities can create quieter, more healing spaces that benefit all those involved.
If you’re looking for noise control solutions that are tailored to the healthcare industry, Avenue Interior Systems offers a range of products designed to meet the unique needs of medical environments.
To learn more about how we can help reduce noise in your healthcare facility contact us on 1300 827 177.
