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If you work or have worked in an office environment, you probably know how bothersome external conversations can be. Sounds like human voices, music, and noise given out by machines can easily distract a person and lower his productivity. This kind of distraction can result in stressed employees and a grumpy boss.

You can wear headphones to keep away unwanted noise, or you can avail of office sound masking in the office. Offices started using the concept five decades ago and today, improved sound masking technology is enjoyed by many offices. Office sound masking takes its roots to physics principles, working by disguising conversations and other noise into more "acceptable" and less distracting sound. Usually installed on the ceiling, installing a sound masking system might just be the answer to your office regarding privacy and productivity.

With sound masking, you can be sure that private dealings remain confidential. It works by "filling in" the sound spectrum surrounding you with low-level noise. The human ear works like a miniature radar dish, you see. It is able to pick up "structured" sounds like music, language, and alerting sounds. In the same way, it can tune out unstructured or monotone sounds. Sound masking works by allowing human voice and other noise just fade into the background.

Direct-field sound masking is the most widely used today for it is the most effective. Developed around 1998, this type of office sound masking is more economical and easy to install. It uses an ultra-wide-angle speaker that disperses sound at a 170-degree angle. Compared to older models consisting of a confusing mix of speaker networks, sound absorbers, and reflective materials, the direct-field system is much simpler to install.

Install your office sound masking system where noise is heard and not the area where it comes from. The most common place where sound masking is mounted is in the open area of the office. You have a choice, however, to appoint two sound masking zones. You can do apply sound masking within offices like human resources where confidential transactions and conversations usually take place.

Do not confuse sound masking with sound cancellation. Noise cancellations systems are not readily available in the market today, except in headphones and microphones. There are military-grade installations that totally cancel noise but they are too expensive to be used on an office setting.