Acoustic flooring for hospitals
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Sleep is important to our body’s recovery processes and general well-being. Research has shown that despite the need for rest and recovery during acute illness, hospitalisation can cause a period of acute sleep deprivation for older adults due to environmental factors and excessive noise.
When excessive levels of noise deprive patients of their sleep, their recovery can be hindered and they can end up having to stay in the hospital even longer. At the same time, when healthcare professionals are consistently exposed to high levels of noise, their focus can be affected and even their mental health can be impacted.
This is where acoustic flooring comes into play, reducing noise in busy environments and allowing patients to get the rest they need whilst professionals can keep on their A-game.
What is acoustic flooring?
Acoustic flooring is a type of flooring that is designed to reduce the transmission of sound waves within a room and through separating floors. It can be used in many types of environments but is especially useful in environments with high levels of foot traffic like hospitals.
Ambient noise
Ambient noise is an in-room sound. Hospitals are busy places with people and devices being transferred all day, causing a lot of ambient noise.
To measure levels of ambient noise, noise pressure is measured in the room to the standard NF-S 31-074. All of Forbo’s acoustic collections sit in Class A, the highest possible rating.
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Impact sound
Impact sound is the sound that is transmitted through the floor to the spaces below. Impact sound reduction is the most common sound reduction measure and is especially important in hospitals which are often multi-floor buildings with patients and staff occupying almost every room.
To measure the level of impact sound reduction delivered by a floor covering, impact noise is created by a hammer machine onto a concrete floor slab in an emission room with the sound level (S1) recorded. The floor covering is then laid on the concrete and the same impact noise is applied to the floor with the new sound level (S2) recorded.
The impact sound reduction (EN ISO 717-2) is the decibel difference between the sound levels recorded. The impact sound reduction of our acoustic flooring collection ranges from 14 to 19 dB.
Why is noise reduction important in hospitals?
Noise reduction in hospitals is an important consideration in flooring design due to the impact of excessive noise on both patients and employees.
Research by acoustical engineers at Johns Hopkins University found that noise in hospitals has significantly increased since the 1960s. Average daytime hospital sound levels have risen from 57 to 72 dB, while average night-time levels have increased from 42 to 60 dB.
All these levels exceed the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommendation of 35 dB being the upper limit for sound levels in patient rooms.
With hospitals being environments with inherently heavy foot traffic, it’s impossible to reduce the amount of staff without it being to the detriment of patients but reducing noise with interior design can bring a host of benefits.
Improved sleep
Wards are often busy environments with medical devices being transported and many healthcare professionals walking around. Still, a reduction of ambient and impact noise on overnight wards will allow patients to get a better night’s sleep and speed up their recovery.
Reduction of Stress
Whilst stress is a by-product of sleep deprivation, it is also a symptom experienced by people who are exposed to a consistently high level of noise during the daytime. Working in healthcare can already be a high-pressure job as it is, but if the environment isn’t geared to reduce stress, then it will only compound it.
Improved focus
Healthcare professionals need to be always on the ball, as their job performance can directly impact patient wellbeing. Reducing the level of unwanted noise in their environment can help them focus and reduce distractions from their important work.
Which acoustic flooring for hospitals can help reduce unwanted noise?
Add in Sarlon acoustic vinyl
Sarlon Acoustic Vinyl
The Sarlon Acoustic Vinyl collection is our high-performing all-rounder, combining acoustic performance with premium comfort. It’s perfect for areas in hospitals with a lot of foot traffic such as communal areas and waiting rooms.
Marmoleum Decibel
Within our linoleum flooring range, Marmoleum Decibel provides the highest impact sound reduction of 18 dB. This sustainable acoustic flooring consists of 2.5mm Marmoleum laminated onto a 1mm layer of polyolefin foam. Available in 27 colours selected from the Marmoleum Marbled and Solid collections. Add in the naturally bacteriostatic properties and environmental credentials also.
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Allura Decibel
The Allura Decibel collection combines beautiful floor design and best-in-class impact sound reduction (19 dB). These luxury vinyl tiles are highly suitable for use in even the most demanding healthcare environments in family rooms, offices and patient recovery areas..
Modul’up 19dB
Modul'up is a tried and tested adhesive-free flooring solution that’s perfect for the high traffic nature of hospitals and healthcare organisations. The 19 dB acoustic performance reduces unwanted noise, whilst the adhesive-free construction allows for quick installation.
Surestep Fast Fit
The perfect choice for hospitals, Surestep Fast Fit is our adhesive free solution which combines R10 slip resistance and 14 dB impact sound reduction to provide a flooring solution that keeps patients and professionals steady on their feet whilst reducing levels of unwanted noise.
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Through the use of acoustic flooring for hospitals, patient well-being and the quality of life for healthcare professionals can be improved simply by a reduction in excessive noise from both the room they’re in and the floors above.
Are you interested in how it’s possible to heal through design with our hospital hospital flooring ? Download our whitepaper today and learn more.