A number of researchers have found that noise is one of the many causes of aggressive behaviours seen in mental health inpatient units (eg in Lloyd et al, 2015). Examples include staff talking loudly, squeaky doors, alarms, other patients etc etc. We know that people with mental illnesses often have sensory processing difficulties so overloading patients with sensory stimuli, as what happens in a noisy ward environment, can only make things worse for patients. Any thoughts or ideas about this and how we can fix this?
Much sound reflects off the floors and ceilings. Some kind of carpeting or floor covering that can be washed and cleaned would absorb sound. There are ceiling tiles that specifically absorb sound. There are several companies that make noise reducing machines (they create white noise that somehow blots out some of the other noise). Squeaky doors can be oiled. Are these locked units? If you are near a university that has an architecture dept or interior design they may be able to provide you with actual material ideas.
Your question is answered just by stating: by noise control. Now, although the principles can be found in any noise control book, solutions differ according to local circumstances. You should consult about your particular situation with an noise control engineer. By the way, white noise (as per the above) is NOT a noise control measure. It is used for purposes other than reducing the noise level...
I would prefer the notion of Soundscape. start with an analysis of the actual sounds in the units, and determine their quality: pleasant, unpleasant, neutral, as specific as possible. Then establish goals with regards to these sounds, taking into account what is wanted and what is possible. Therefore you'll need a consultant who not only knows his acoustics, but the pecularities of mental health units as well.
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