The noise that is absorbed by an acoustic panel is usually beyond the range of human hearing but it can be masked by the presence of other sound sources in the room. Thus, soundproofing through the addition of an acoustic panel can decrease the level of excess noise in a room and this can reduce the level of stress and anxiety that can result from a lack of sleep or rest. It can also help eliminate the sound of traffic noise outside the home.

A lot of effort and research has gone into the design of modern sound absorption art panels. Many noise control experts are convinced that sound absorption is much more effective than just masking noise with curtains or drapes. They believe that a soundproofing method should not only be a good solution for noise control inside the house but also should be effective for outside the house. The use of passive solar heating systems and reflective roofing tiles may help to reduce noise pollution.

There are three types of acoustic panels available. One-way is the most simple to install as the sound waves make no audible noise. Two-way systems make use of a shock absorber, usually foam, between two walls and these panels absorb sound waves. Three-way systems are the most effective in a small room as they are a combination of one and two-way units. Panels that consist of three layers do not work very effectively.

One of the most obvious places where acoustic panels prove most effective is at airports and other