Choosing the Right Commercial Soundproofing Technology

Certain locations have to maintain an acceptable noise level, such as schools, residential complexes, and healthcare facilities. Even industrial and commercial sites have to comply with regulations that guarantee acceptable workplace standards for employees exposed to the constant machinery sounds and other sources of noise pollution. With this in mind, commercial establishments, industries, and businesses have to conform to soundproofing standards that require the adoption of technology to dampen and control the amount of noise within a certain site.

Why Install a Soundproofing System?

Noise pollution can be caused by different sources. Different types of loud noises could be emitted by heavy machinery and industrial equipment or the constant flow of vehicles and transport system. At a certain level and duration, noise can cause health and safety issues within the immediate environment.

For workers, OSHA has set a standard permissible exposure limit (PEL) at 90 dBA for a typical 8 hour day. However, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has recommended a lower threshold level at 85 dBA. Just to understand what the two ratings sound like, in comparison, a typical construction noise registers at 100 dBA, while classroom conversations are at 70 dBA, according to a NIOSH meter level chart.

Different Types of Soundproofing Technology

Soundproofing technology encompasses different types of applications used for canceling, controlling and damping sound emission from the source. Installing a sound barrier to either absorb or reflect the noise is one methodology. Other sound damping mechanisms involve installing a sound baffle or any acoustic suppression setup.

When it comes to sound barriers, comparisons have been made regarding the noise control capacity of absorptive and reflective walls. The two, which are typical sound barrier material options, differ in how they treat noise emissions. An absorptive barrier is made out of a permeable material that absorbs sound waves instead of bouncing it back, as in the case of a reflective wall. Absorptive walls are made from materials that are considered good acoustic insulators. In comparison, reflective walls are made from dense materials that tend to revert the sound wave in another direction. Thus, the noise just bounces off in another location.

Impact on Short-Term and Long-Term Health

When constantly exposed to loud indoor noise, workers could develop certain health issues. Short-term exposure could result in an uncomfortable ringing in the ears or temporary hearing loss. Workers could also potentially develop cardiovascular issues or even permanent hearing loss as a long-term effect of chronic noise exposure. General productivity may be affected since the constant barrage of noise could inhibit worker efficiency, concentration, and performance. Aside from these occupational risks, exposure to a barrage of environmental noise pollution sources could disrupt one’s overall quality of life.

Soundproofing technology has provided a way to safeguard the community from noise pollution. With these sound dampening options, worker productivity is maintained at the ideal standards. Moreover, those within the immediate vicinity of the noise source will be cushioned from its harmful and annoying effects.