And no, we don’t mean piping in white noise over your PA system. Sound masking is an intricate and specialized technology that uses soft, ambient sound to make voices and other noises less distracting. Special devices are installed in your building at precise locations to maximize effectiveness. 

We know you have questions, so we here at Building Systems Solutions will answer some of the most common sound masking questions. 

What Is Sound Masking?

So, what is sound masking? To explain simply, sound masking uses technology to add certain sounds at certain wavelengths to a room to muffle human speech. It does not affect close-up speech, but far-away conversations and noises will be less distracting. 

A good sound masking system will adjust its volume based on the noise levels to keep the levels of conversation steady. If a loud meeting is occurring, the sound masking device will adjust to ensure anyone nearby can still work peacefully.

Why Do Financial Institutions Need Sound Masking?

Since your financial institution works with a lot of sensitive data about personal accounts and money, you need to include sound masking to keep that data from spreading to unintended ears. Sound masking can help ensure your clients’ privacy is protected. 

How Does Sound Masking Help Our Clients?

There are many ways that sound masking can help your clients and customers. Limiting the noise levels in a space will make your clients more comfortable discussing sensitive information. Sound masking will also reduce distractions, which keeps your employees focused on their clients and can make normal speech easier to understand in a close-up conversation. 

The perception of your company will improve because of your client’s experience, which could potentially bring in more business. Clients will understand that you take their privacy seriously. 

How Does Sound Masking Improve Company Culture?

Sound masking can improve company culture by helping employees focus and work more efficiently. With fewer distractions around them, employees can remain focused on their work. You may be surprised to learn that sound masking can boost productivity, but it's very possible. 

Sound masking provides a space where everyone feels comfortable. There are many different working styles, and it can feel impossible to cater to everyone. 

With sound masking, your employees who need quiet can focus, while those who like conversing can talk without distracting others.

Does Sound Masking Help with GLBA Compliance?

Yes. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GBLA) requires financial institutions to implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect customer information. Sound masking serves as a physical safeguard by reducing the intelligibility of human speech, which helps ensure sensitive discussions remain private and confidential. 

How is Sound Masking Different from White Noise Machines?

Sound masking is often confused with white noise, but they are very different. White noise consists of all audible frequencies at equal intensity, sounding like harsh radio static. It can be fatiguing and distracting in a professional setting. Conversely, sound masking is specifically engineered to match the frequencies of human speech, sounding more like a gentle “woosh” and fading into the background. 

Will Tellers and Banks Still Be Able to Hear Each Other?

Yes, as sound masking is not “noise cancellation.” It doesn’t silence sound; it simply limits the distance at which speech is intelligible. You can still have a clear conversation with someone 3-5 feet away from you, but a person 15-20 feet away will hear you talking, but will not be able to understand what you are saying.

Where Should We Install Sound Masking Devices?

There are three specific zones where sound masking devices will be the most impactful: 

• The Teller Line: To prevent customers from overhearing the transactions of the person at the window. 

• Personal Banker Offices: Many private offices have glass walls or gaps that can allow sound to leak into common areas.

• The Lobby/Waiting Area: Sound masking creates an acoustic buffer so waiting customers don’t feel like they are eavesdropping on nearby conversations. 

How Much Does Sound Masking Cost?

Sound masking may sound out of your budget, but it’s actually quite affordable. The cost of installing a sound masking system in your office costs approximately between $1.00-$3.00 per square foot. 

What’s the ROI of Sound Masking?

While we’re talking money, you may be surprised to learn that sound masking has a high ROI. With fewer distractions and better client experiences, you will see the ROI of your sound masking system quickly, all while improving other aspects of your business. 

If you want to see your business’s possible ROI, check out our sound masking system ROI calculator. It will give you a better idea of how much you will get in return after installing a sound masking system. 

Building Systems Solutions: Sound Masking Technology & Installation

With our Soft dB products and industry knowledge, Building Systems Solutions is your best bet when it comes to installing sound masking systems in Minnesota. We understand how to best work with your office environment to make your employees and clients happier. 

Give your financial institution a boost by bringing in a sound masking system. Give us a call today at 763-502-1515 or send us a message on our website.