A Questionnaire Survey of the Attitude to Sound Masking Devices for Toilets

Abstract

Unique sound masking devices for toilets can be used in women's restrooms of public space in Japan. Such devices function to produce the sound of flushing water without actual flushing. A questionnaire survey to clarify the attitude of people toward such sound masking devices for toilets was conducted. The results showed that many Japanese women know such devices and often use them, that foreign women living in Japan also know such devices, and that Japanese men have heard of such devices. Many Japanese women are quite embarrassed at the thought that someone else can hear them while they are on the toilet. Many women noted the necessity of such devices and required a wide range of setting for toilets in public spaces. However, they are not satisfied with the sound quality of the playback toilet flush sounds of currently available devices.