Does Sound Masking Cause Hearing Loss or Damage?

The short answer is no. Here is why.

The recommended decibel level for sound masking is just above the level of incoming speech, typically around 47 or 48 dBA. On average, speech is projected at a volume of about 60dB and the masking typically falls well below this to cover the sounds that are transmitted and attenuated by walls and partitions. According to known reports and OSHA standards, sound masking at these levels could no way cause hearing loss or damage.

As a general rule, prolonged exposure to sound pressure levels over 85dBA can cause damage to your hearing. Any sound when amplified enough can reach these levels, but this is not a level that a quality masking provider or system would ever try to mimic or achieve. To understand how decibels works, 50 decibels is approximately 1/16th the power of 90 decibels.

The chart below is excerpted from the Noise Control Reference Handbook by the Industrial Acoustics Company, and should clear up any concerns regarding hearing loss or damage due to decibel level exposure.

Percentage of Noise Exposed Population Likely to Develop Hearing Handicap Due to Noise as Distinct from the Normal Loss of Hearing with Age*