The Importance of Acoustic Ceilings in Healthcare Facilities
When you think about managing acoustics in buildings you probably imagine the designs of concert venues, community centers and other buildings where ideal sound transfer is important. However, there is another type of building where managing acoustics is just as important and that is in healthcare facilities. Managing noise in these facilities can have many positive effects for both patients and employees. To that end in today’s blog we will be looking at the importance of acoustic ceilings in Healthcare facilities.
Why choose acoustic ceilings?
Healthcare facilities are designed for maximum infection control, with moisture resistant and easy to clean materials being prioritized. Unfortunately, this usually leads to smooth surfaces, which are bad for noise control as they reflect sound and increase reverberation. Because ceilings are much less likely to provide a vector for infection they are often crucial for providing noise control in healthcare facilities, acting to counter the sound reflecting properties of those smooth, easy to clean surfaces.
What are the benefits of acoustic ceilings in healthcare facilities?
Ceilings with high sound absorption cut down on excess noise in the facility. Excess Noise can cause increased stress among both staff and patients in the facility. Stress reactions can lead to increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and in some cases excess noise can trigger immune responses. It can also cause general cognitive impairment, and it can lead to problems with patient sleep should they need to be in the facility overnight. Acoustics are also important for maintaining patient privacy as without proper noise control private discussions with doctors can be heard around the facility. Good acoustic design also helps improve speech intelligibility, meaning there is a lowered chance of miscommunication between healthcare providers and their patients. Finally you can’t overlook the positive effect that good sound design can have on the employees of the facility as it will improve staff comfort and staff capabilities, allowing them to provide the best care possible to patients.
We hope we have been able to show you why choosing acoustic ceiling tiles is essential in healthcare facilities. If you have any questions about acoustic ceiling tiles please feel free to contact us.
Turner Bros Contractors Ltd. has been providing steel-stud framing, drywall, and acoustic ceiling services for residential and commercial applications in the Vancouver area since 1932. The company is family-run with four generations of the family represented in the business.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about your residential or commercial project, please call us at (604) 532-1991 or email us at info@turnerbros.ca.
