Auditory distraction by speech: Sound masking with speech-shaped stationary noise outperforms −5 dB per octave shaped noise

Abstract

Sound masking can reduce the distraction due to ambient sounds in open-plan offices. This paper compares a typical masking sound with a slope of −5 dB per octave to a steady-state signal with the spectrum of the disturbing speech signal. Subjects had to complete a number recall task and a questionnaire in a laboratory experiment. The sound conditions with the spectrally-matched noise resulted in similar error rates at 3 dB higher speech-to-noise ratios as compared to the standard noise. Using a speech-shaped steady-state noise as masking sound could reduce the effect of distracting speech in the work place more efficiently.