Reducing Hospital Noise Through Innovation
Hospitals, particularly intensive care units (ICUs), are often plagued by high levels of noise from both medical equipment and staff activity. Recognising the negative impact of this noise on patient recovery and staff wellbeing, Metasonixx collaborated with clinicians to explore practical solutions. After conducting in-situ measurements in NHS hospitals, it became clear that traditional acoustic treatments were difficult to implement due to space constraints and hygiene requirements. Medical staff stressed the need for a compact, movable, and easy-to-clean solution that could effectively reduce noise without disrupting care delivery.
Designing Metamaterial-Based Noise Barriers
Metasonixx developed lightweight custom SonoBlind acoustic panels using advanced metamaterial noise-cancelling technology by engineering structures that shape and cancel sound waves in targeted frequency ranges. These panels were mounted on movable frames to fit within tight ICU environments and were covered with washable fabric to comply with infection control standards. Lab tests at the University of Sussex demonstrated that these panels could significantly reduce noise at key frequencies typical of ventilator alarms and airflow. Simulations and time-domain measurements confirmed the SonoBlind panels’ effectiveness in shaping and dampening sound across a broad frequency range.
Real-World Testing and Measured Impact
The custom SonoBlind panels were deployed and tested in a COVID ward at Princess Royal Hospital. When placed between noisy equipment (like ventilators) and patient beds, the panels reduced noise levels by up to 12 dB(A), a meaningful improvement in acoustic comfort. While the effect on lower-frequency equipment like cPAP machines was limited, the reduction in ventilator alarm noise was notable. These findings demonstrate the potential for scalable solutions using acoustic metamaterials to enhance hospital soundscapes.
