Good acoustic performance is at the heart of creating an inclusive and comfortable space. Whatever the age of the building, there are a number of ways of controlling noise in a care home, says Joe Hurst, key account manager – social care at Altro
The control of noise is particularly important in care homes. Quiet, peaceful surroundings are necessary to aid recovery from illness and to promote day-to-day wellbeing in residents, whilst preventing transfer of sound at night is essential to avoid disruption of sleep. Noisy communal spaces are also problematic, as they can elevate stress and dissatisfaction among residents, staff and visitors. Most importantly, poor acoustic performance of a care home can have profound social, physical and psychological effects on those with a hearing impairment.
According to Action on Hearing Loss, there are about 11 million people with hearing loss across the UK (one in six of the population); more than 40 per cent of people aged over 50 years old have hearing loss and this increases to 71 per cent of those over the age of 70. As a result, age-related hearing loss of this type (presbycusis) impacts on a resident’s ability to engage effectively with staff, visitors and others sharing their environment.1
It is estimated that age-related hearing loss leads to communication problems for about 37 per cent of people between the ages of 61 and 70 and becomes an increasing problem as we age, with about 60 per cent of those aged 71 to 80 experiencing difficulties with communication as a result of age-related hearing impairment.2
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