By Elaina Myers, Assistant Editor

In healthcare environments, sound is never just background noise. It shapes whether patients feel safe and determines if private information stays private.  

Healthcare design standards recognize the importance of noise control. The Facility Guidelines Institute and the World Health Organization recommend maximum noise levels of approximately 40 dBA in patient areas. However, a 2026 white paper released by Carolina and ROOM found that many healthcare spaces operate between 50 and 70 dBA, while intensive care units and operating rooms can exceed 80 dBA.  

As healthcare facilities seek greater operational efficiency, open-plan workspaces and shared treatment rooms have limited opportunities for private conversation. According to the white paper, 4 percent of emergency department patients surveyed reported changing or withholding medical information because they feared it would be overheard by others.  

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Facility leaders must also balance privacy needs with budget and space constraints. The white paper notes that hospital construction costs average approximately $440 to $450 per square foot, making it difficult to add dedicated rooms for every privacy-sensitive conversation. As a result, many organizations are exploring flexible acoustic solutions that can be integrated into existing floor plans. 

One emerging approach is the use of healthcare-adapted privacy pods. These enclosed spaces can support confidential conversation, telehealth visits and staff respite while maintaining flexibility. At the Medical University of South Carolina’s Clements Ferry Pavillion, privacy pods capable of reducing sound by up to 32 dB have been installed in waiting areas, consultation zones and staff spaces. The units were designed to meet healthcare infection-control requirements and indoor air quality standards with built-in ceiling fans and airflow systems. However, no current version of the pods can withstand the rigors of medical facilities and design tweaks would be needed to solve this issue.  

Elaina Myers is the assistant editor of the facilities market. She has covered various topics from pest management to resilience to sustainability and is the beat writer for special days. She also runs the FacilitiesNet social media accounts.