Soundproof doors for the healthcare sector

In this article, you can read how soundproof doors can improve the healthcare environment by reducing noise, increasing patient convenience and safeguarding patient respect for privacy. This technology transforms hospitals, clinics, and mental health facilities into quieter, more efficient spaces. Understanding the importance of soundproofing in healthcare and how advanced soundproof door technology can make a difference is crucial. This article explains the reasons behind the necessity of soundproofing in healthcare environments and explores the solutions that can be implemented to achieve optimal noise control.

Importance of soundproofing in healthcare

Sound insulation is important in healthcare. With our soundproofing methods we contribute to safe and trusted healthcare.

• Patient comfort

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are frequently active environments, resulting in high levels of ambient noise. Common sources of this noise include medical equipment, staff conversations, alarms, and external traffic. Effective soundproofing can significantly reduce ambient noise, lowering stress levels, promoting better sleep, and facilitating faster recovery. Soundproof doors can provide these benefits to everyone within the facility. 

• Improved staff performance

Medical staff often work in high-stress environments where concentration is critical. Soundproofing reduces distractions from external noises, allowing healthcare professionals to maintain higher levels of concentration. For example, in operating rooms, soundproofing reduces distractions, enabling surgeons and medical staff to maintain focus, which also results in better surgical outcomes.

• Confidentiality

Maintaining patient confidentiality is a legal and ethical requirement in healthcare. Sensitive information is often discussed in consultation rooms, treatment areas, and patient rooms. Soundproofing ensures that private conversations and consultations remain confidential, protecting patient privacy and adhering to healthcare regulations. This promotes a sense of security and trust, which is essential for the mental well-being and overall comfort of patients. Clinics with soundproofed consultation rooms report higher patient satisfaction scores regarding confidentiality and privacy.

Rw,P Value and noise insulation

The Rw,P value, or Weighted Sound Reduction Index, is a crucial metric for assessing soundproofing materials’ effectiveness. This value measures how well a building element, like a wall or door, reduces airborne sound. Higher Rw,P values indicate better soundproofing performance. Soundproofing materials are designed to achieve high Rw,P values, ensuring excellent noise reduction. For example, the Rw,P value of soundproofing panels used in hospital environments exceeds industry standards, providing significant noise reduction benefits.

Noise insulation represents the difference in noise levels between two rooms, reflecting how well a material impedes noise. Various terms describe noise insulation:

• Rw,p-value: a practical value measured in a laboratory, including the entire door with rubbers and rim in operative condition. The door is opened and closed at least five times before the test to reflect real-world usage.
• Rw-value: measures the noise insulation of the door blade in a static condition, excluding rim and sealing rubbers. It assesses the noise level difference between two rooms separated by the door, following ISO10140-2 standards.
• Rw,r-value: assesses the noise insulation value at the application site, reflecting the operational door’s performance. It differs from the Rw,P-value based on the quality of installation and adjustment of the door and frame.
• Lµ-value: reflects noise insulation in the applied situation, influenced by the volume and echo of the reception area. The Lµ-value depends on the size and furnishing of the area, with different materials affecting noise levels.

Preferences for noise reduction

Noise insulation is expressed through the airborne noise level difference, known as DnT,A, measured in decibels (dB). The Dutch government sets thresholds for outside noise: for road or rail noise, the threshold is 33 dB in residential areas and 28 dB in areas where people sleep, while for industrial noise, the thresholds are 35 dB(A) and 30 dB(A), respectively. Preferences for noise levels between different rooms vary by room type: sound-sensitive rooms, such as treatment rooms, research areas, and consultation rooms, prioritize privacy. Moderately sound-sensitive rooms include meeting rooms, work areas, or office spaces. Non-sound-sensitive rooms encompass storage areas, technical rooms, and traffic spaces. We offer expert guidance on optimal noise insulation values tailored to specific requirements, ensuring effective noise reduction across diverse healthcare environments. More information about noise insulation can be found here.

Metaflex’s soundproof door solutions

We offer a range of soundproof doors designed to meet various needs in healthcare and other demanding environments. Soundproof doors provide exceptional acoustic insulation, raising privacy and reducing noise pollution. Key products include:

• Metaflex Medicare: a versatile hermetic door designed for general healthcare environments.
• Metaflex Medicare Sound: specifically engineered for superior soundproofing, ideal for areas requiring high acoustic insulation.
• Metaflex Medicare Glass: combines soundproofing with a transparent design, allowing for visibility while maintaining acoustic control.
• Metaflex Medinox: features a robust construction suitable for areas with stringent hygiene requirements.
• Metaflex Metaficient: offers energy efficiency alongside soundproofing, promoting sustainability in high-traffic areas.
• Metaflex Medicare EI1: provides fire resistance in addition to soundproofing, ensuring safety without compromising on acoustic performance.

To understand how our door systems can benefit your facility, contact us for a consultation. Visit our website or call +31 88 1414900 for more information and to request a quote.