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. As a result, you are most likely to see exhausted employees and a cranky boss.

Instead of having everyone wear headphones to block out the noise, an office sound masking system would make a much more worthwhile investment. Already used by many private offices today, sound masking has been around for around five decades. Office sound masking is based on a principle of physics wherein conversations and other noises are "masked" through the addition of a soft background noise. Usually installed on the ceiling, installing a sound masking system might just be the answer to your office regarding privacy and productivity.

Better privacy and confidentiality can be achieved in the office through sound masking. The system works by using low-level noise to "fill up" the sound spectrum around you. The human ear works like a miniature radar dish, you see. It detects language, music, alerting noises, and other "structured 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 system is regarded as the most effective today. Developed around 1998, this type of office sound masking is more economical and easy to install. It features an ultra-wide-angle dispersion speaker than can emit sound at a 170-degree angle. The system is found to be simpler to install compared to older models as it gets rid of complex technological systems and a mix of sound absorbers, reflective materials, and speakers.

An office sound masking system should be installed in the part of the office where noise is most heard; not necessarily the source. The open area of the office is where sound masking systems are commonly installed. 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.

Sound masking is not synonymous with sound cancellation. Noise cancellations systems are not readily available in the market today, except in headphones and microphones. There are military-grade installations to entirely block out sound but they can cost you hundreds of thousand of dollars.