What’s background noise?

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Background noise is any audible element that tends to distract or in any way interfere with an individual’s ability to hear or be heard. There are many different types of background noise, from barely audible to extremely irritating. Fortunately, there are often ways to minimize the intrusion of this secondary noise and overcome the irritation.

In some cases, background noise is not considered unpleasant at all. For example, many restaurants use background music to create a more inviting environment for diners. The idea is to adjust the volume of the music so that conversation is possible in normal tones, but the music helps customers relax and enjoy their meal.

However, the use of background music is sometimes complicated by the use of televisions placed around the dining area. When the volume is also turned up on sets, conversation becomes more difficult and can be annoying for some clients. The result is a loss of repeat business, as diners who don’t enjoy themselves are less likely to return.

Background noise also occurs when using various types of telephone devices. The origin of the noise can have to do with sounds occurring at the point of origin or the point of destination. For example, a conference call involving two or more locations using a speakerphone may encounter background noise created by vents blowing on the speakers or multiple people tapping pencils on the conference room table.

Other times, the background noise has to do with a malfunction in the connection itself. A phenomenon known as a bleeding line occurs when connections cross, effectively allowing two distinct conversations to seep into each connection. Often, the only way to remove noise like this is to drop the connection and start a new phone call.

Both the home and the workplace have great potential for listening to background noise of various origins. Loud conversations can be considered background noise, as can the constant hum of office machines or appliances. In some cases, the background noise level is low and therefore will not be audible to people who are continuously in the space.
Fortunately, there are several ways to remove background noise or at least engage in some sort of background noise reduction. Fabrics sometimes help absorb sound and help minimize the impact of subtle noises. In the workplace, creating rules of conduct can help remind people that speaking above normal tones is unacceptable and disruptive to others. Restaurants can arrange to adjust the music level to an acceptable range and mute the volume on televisions.

Whenever possible, placing a door between work areas and copiers or other office equipment helps prevent machine operation from interfering with staff concentration. Making sure your speakerphones aren’t placed under an air vent will improve sound quality during phone calls, as will avoiding rattling paper or knocking pencils on your desk or table. Often, all that is required to remove background noise is to realize that it is present, disturbing to someone in the area, and to take steps to minimize or eliminate the source of the excess sound.

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