If you’ve ever been in a public place while trying to focus, you know that ambient noise can cause extreme distractions. Loud bursts of laughter, conversations on speaker phone, and general noise can cause anyone to struggle with focus and studying. This is especially true at learning institutions, such as universities. Libraries, student unions, and high-stakes testing centers are essential for students to study and learn, but with too much ambient noise, they can have trouble focusing.
A solution for combating extreme ambient noise is sound masking. Sound masking is a technology that uses special speakers to introduce ambient noise to an office or space. It helps reduce or mask distractions and noises.
By introducing a specially calibrated sound into a space, it can help smooth out ambient noise, making it easier for students to study and focus. Let’s take a look at how ambient noise affects cognitive load, test scores, and how sound masking can benefit learning institutions.
Ambient Noise and Cognitive Load
Cognitive Load refers to the amount of mental effort being used in your working memory at any given time. The human brain can only hold a small amount of information at once, and tasks that require too much simultaneous thinking can result in cognitive overload.
According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, “the mental workload and visual/auditory attention is significantly reduced” when exposed to noise at a 95 dBA level. For reference, 95 dBA is about as loud as a passing motorcycle, a lawn mower, or a heavily shouted conversation.
Ambient Noise and Test Scores
As for test scores, studies show that ambient noise can severely impact test scores and cognitive performance. Some studies show that there can be up to a 15% drop in cognitive test scores when comparing noisy environments to silent ones. A National Institutes of Health review found that noise exposure significantly impairs cognitive performance.
Because of these studies the American National Standards Institute recommends that classroom noise levels stay below 35 dBA. Between roadside noises, HVAC noises, elevators, and other noise in surrounding rooms, students can have a harder time focusing on their tests and can affect their scores.
Sound Masking in Learning Institutions
Sound masking can be a solution to loud areas in learning environments, including libraries and student union areas. Like business offices, loud noises and conversations can severely impact productivity and attention to detail. By adding professionally calibrated sound masking to your spaces, students can see an increase in productivity, test scores, and less distractions.
Another group of individuals that can benefit from sound masking are those who are neurodivergent. With sound masking, these individuals can spend more time working on their intended work rather than hearing and listening to the other sounds around them. Sound masking helps create a calming environment for those who are especially sensitive to noises.
Improve Your Students’ Scores with Expert Sound Masking Technology
When the ambient sound masking noise is calibrated to a specific space, it can help mask conversations that are up to 20 feet away. This helps students maintain their focus on studies, projects, and tests. The benefit of Soft dB products for sound masking is their ability to adjust the sound level based on the noise in the room, helping to keep the ambient noise from being another distraction and only a helpful masking sound.
Sound masking in large areas can significantly reduce distractions. At Building Systems Solutions, we help learning institutions implement sound masking technology designed to help students thrive. With decades of experience installing sound masking devices, we know your students can get a leg up on their studies with our help.
Ready to help your students improve test scores and reduce negative cognitive load?