Directional audio has many uses in the modern healthcare environment, from providing a focused audio component for a digital signage system to providing what amounts to a sonic curtain of sound, sometimes called directed background noise or sound masking, to ensure that your patients privacy and HIPAA oral privacy rules are followed.

Many facilities have found that just providing static or white noise through these speakers puts their sound masking solution in the 'cost center' category.   

Alternatively, many healthcare facilities are hiding the background noise's privacy effect in a targeted messaging component, either tied to a digital signage solution or through targeting waiting room audio that may allow them to use the speakers in a 'profit center' methodology.  Shifting the cost basis of a solution may assist a HIPAA compliance officer get a system approved but ultimately how effective a solution is will mean the most.

By sending real content instead of white noise you create an environment whereby unintentional listeners can focus on a real message instead of focusing on the only thing of interest around them - your  health care provider's conversation with a patient.

"...Many organizations have created maps of areas within their facilities where conversations can be overheard.  Waiting rooms, hallways, cafeterias, elevators, emergency rooms and semi-private patient rooms should be on the list..."

Facilities then can identify at risk areas and"...Consider options that will reduce confidentiality breaches. First, can this clerk be moved to a more secure area? If not, are there changes that will reduce opportunities for these conversations to be overheard?"

"Consult colleagues who manage facilities similar in size and function to brainstorm about effective privacy protection measures. Remember, HHS says a facility will be judged according to what other similar facilities have done."

"Consult with experts in the field of sound control to determine what is available to help control sound. It is especially important to consider privacy concerns when planning new construction."

-Today's Facility Manager

Dakota Audio produces a wide variety of directional audio solutions that all have two things in common:  They are very small (the speakers range from less than an inch to the thickest at only 3 inches thick) and they sound great!

Directional audio arrays by Dakota Audio do not utilize ultrasonic solutions but rather use normal high quality loudspeakers that are controlled by a unique digital signal processing technology to focus the pattern of sound.  Avoiding ultrasonic delivery means that there are no health issues from prolonged exposure or from the end users being too close to the ultrasonic device.

• Overhead arrays come in two sizes: the 36 inch square x 3 inch thick FA-501 and the 24 inch square x 3 inch thick FA-602 FH & CM models (the FH model is free hanging and the CM model is designed to fit in a suspended ceiling) both of which include an amplifier and user control panel built in for configuring the sound pattern, distance of throw, and tuning for the type of audio being played.

• Flat Panel Mini arrays these MA-4 speakers are also very popular with kiosk sound projects and come in a variety of lengths (18-38 inches) though all are less than an inch deep and only two inches tall.  These arrays can also be installed in the ceiling to cover a linear area (such as hallways) with sound (range and depth of field are dependent on mounting height and other factors.)   Finally, these arrays are one of the most popular with Digital Signage solutions.

• Floor Mount arrays are manufactured in two varieties: Pre-construction and post-construction models.  The Pre-construction model of the FA-603 is designed to be placed into a roughly one inch deep pocket built into the floor.  The 0.87 inch thick array can then be placed under a grate or even under the carpet!  The post-construction floor array is only one inch thick and comes with an aluminum perforated grill that is tapered to floor level to assist with ADA compliance.

In some cases white noise or sound blocking background noise is the best solution for your environment.  Adding directionality to that solution keeps your healthcare providers from having to raise their voices over that background noise. 

Many facilities have created maps of safe areas to conduct private conversations, as mentioned above, to assist in HIPAA oral privacy compliance.

Dakota Audio also designs custom arrays to precisely fit your needs.  Whether it is designing and manufacturing round arrays for the Smithsonian Institute or special arrays with holes in the center for a light to shine through for the Country Music Hall of Fame, Dakota Audio wants to build your Healthcare solution to your exact specifications.

Don't have an audio specialist at your disposal?  Dakota Audio would be happy to recommend a consultant specific to your needs or region.

Please contact us for more information.

Copyright 2008 Dakota Audio. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2008 Dakota Audio. All rights reserved.