Hearing, Sound and the Acoustic Environment for People with Dementia

The quality of the acoustic environment is a vital component of good dementia-friendly design. People need to be able to hear well in order to make sense of it and in order to fuction at the highest level possible. It is essential that adaptations which simplify and clarify the acoustic environment, and which reduce discomfort and auditory 'clutter', are put in place. Good acoustics can actively contribute to ensuring that a person with dementia can communicate and remain included within the community they live in, be that a care home, supported housing scheme or hospital care.