Sound Masking Systems and Their Effectiveness: Does Sound Masking Really Work?

This article reviews results of an experimental study that was conducted to understand the effects of sound masking systems on acoustic qualities of open office spaces. The findings of the study indicate that speech recognition is consistently lowered in open office spaces that have an active sound masking system, providing an elevated level of speech privacy.

keywords: open office, open plan, speech privacy, architectural acoustics, noise disturbance, perceived sound, field test