Noise can make or break a dining experience, as shown by a lab study studying average noise levels in restaurants.
The acoustic experts say the study demonstrates that high sound levels can play a large role in a dining experience – and the standard of the food and restaurant services.
“Our study not only shows that relaxing music at low noise levels increases food enjoyment but indicates that even ‘normal’ background noise levels in restaurants can be unpleasant to diners,” says lead author, Flinders University PhD candidate Mahmoud Alamir.
“We do not always recognize the cumulative effect of noise to our stress or annoyance levels, but we see how every one of us has sensitivity to noise in different ways.”
The analysis considered factors such as age, sex and sound sensitivity to background noise.
Accordingly, noise-sensitive people, in addition to older people and females, reported lower enjoyment of meals when there is elevated background noise.
Flinders University acoustic engineer and study co-author Dr Kristy Hansen claims the results underline the importance of sound management plans in restaurants to provide better dining experiences.
“This could include more practical acoustic design of dining areas to suit different groups of people,” she says.
“Quiet dining areas should be considered for older and noise-sensitive people.”
The international research group intends to release more details and guidelines on ‘healthful’ sound levels.
Related Journal Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003682X20307040?via%3Dihub