Acoustical Products Made in USA.
Healthcare-Compliant
Acoustic Ceiling
Barrier Systems for
Patient Privacy
at St.
Joseph’s Hospital
Overwiew
St. Joseph’s Hospital required a high-performance overhead sound isolation solution to address increasing privacy concerns within patient care areas. As patient traffic grew and administrative operations expanded, airborne speech and mechanical noise were traveling through suspended ceiling plenums between exam rooms, consultation spaces, and offices. In healthcare environments, maintaining speech confidentiality
is not optional—it is essential. To strengthen acoustic separation while preserving existing suspended ceiling finishes, the hospital partnered with All Noise Control to implement the MassiCore® ANC-CB22 Acoustic Ceiling Barrier System, engineered specifically to improve inter-room sound blocking within ceiling cavities.
CHALLENGE
The existing drop ceiling assembly did not provide sufficient resistance to airborne sound transmission. Conversations between staff and patients were audible in adjacent rooms, and mechanical system noise contributed to elevated background sound levels. These conditions reduced acoustic comfort and created privacy concerns within sensitive care environments. The facility required a ceiling-installed sound blocking system
that would enhance speech confidentiality in support of HIPAA privacy objectives while maintaining compliance with healthcare fire codes and building regulations. A solution needed to integrate seamlessly into the existing ceiling grid without disrupting daily hospital operations.
SOLUTION
All Noise Control installed MassiCore® ANC-CB22 Acoustic Ceiling Barrier above the hospital’s suspended acoustic ceiling grid throughout exam rooms, consultation areas, and administrative spaces. Each panel consists of dual 1” fiberglass layers surrounding a 1 lb PSF mass loaded vinyl core, forming a composite assembly with a total nominal thickness of 2 inches
and an STC rating of 27. By increasing mass within the ceiling, the system block noise transferring between adjacent rooms and reduces airborne sound migration. Barriers were precision die-cut to fit standard 2’ x 2’ and 2’ x 4’ grid systems and placed directly above existing ceiling tiles, allowing for efficient installation without
demolition or structural modifications. The barrier system meets ASTM E-90 and ASTM E-413 standards for sound transmission, ASTM C-423 for acoustic
performance, and carries a Class A fire rating, ensuring
suitability for healthcare environments requiring strict code compliance.
RESULTS
- Enhanced speech privacy in exam and consultation rooms
- Reduced airborne sound transmission between patient spaces
- Improved overall patient comfort and staff focus
- Class A fire-rated, ASTM-tested acoustic ceiling barrier system
- Long-term durable healthcare acoustic ceiling solution
