Hospitals are moving away from a multitude of speakers in traditional patient rooms to fewer, better, more durable speakers in private rooms as audio features become a larger part of patient-centered healthcare environment, according to an article on the Healthcare Construction + Operations website.

Evidence-based research shows that taking measures to decrease patient stress and instill a sense of control can reduce anxiety and the use of pain-controlled opioid medications, while improving cooperation and clinical outcomes, the article said.

A single self-amplified “all-in-one” speaker set can enhance patient control of audio while replacing several separate speakers and improving sound quality. 

Overhead speakers with Bluetooth connectivity allow patients to more conveniently control song selection and volume from their smart phones or MP3s without plugging into the wall or having to reach for  controls.

Read the article.