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sensory environment

Adjust sound and noise

Reduce background and sudden noise to support comfort, focus, and accessibility for people sensitive to sound.

adjust-sound-and-noise

Why this matters

 

Some people have trouble hearing when there is background noise. They may also be very sensitive to specific sounds. There are different ways you can reduce background noise in your business. This allows more people to visit your business and feel comfortable.

“I heard an announcement at a supermarket, and I flinched. I don't think anybody likes the level of noise, especially the beeps and the announcements. Why do they need to be so loud?”

Community Member

What best practice looks like:

 

  • Keep background music at very low volume or off
  • Reduce sounds from heating, cooling or air-conditioning, equipment and traffic where possible
  • Take time and listen for ticking clocks, banging doors, buzzing lights, doorbells, timers, or cash registers. Reduce or remove these sounds where possible.
  • Use carpet and soft furnishings to reduce echo
  • Provide paper towels instead of hand dryers in bathrooms
  • Set aside a quiet bathroom where noise is kept low, and use signage to show the change
  • Reduce or remove announcements
  • Offer soft earplugs or loan headphones on request. Include options for both adults and children.

Example:

A retail store removes hand dryers from one bathroom. They provide paper towels and mark it as a 'quiet bathroom' with signage.