It refers to the mechanism involved in making buildings impervious to sound and creating soundproofed chambers within. It may be that one is quite often disturbed or distracted by the different kinds of sounds entering the room from outside. One's work or sleep may be getting interrupted as a result. Then one may think about adopting soundproofing techniques for one's room in the office or home. In order to achieve soundproofing special materials are to be used. Such soundproofing materials will act as insulation provider against sound. An effective barrier is thus set up to prevent sound from entering the room.

Several different approaches may be advocated in order to accomplish soundproofing. The space in which the sound can spread out may be increased so that it becomes fainter and disappears soon. Again, huge barriers can be placed to absorb the sound waves. Dampening structures may also be used which will suppress the sound and prevent it from spreading. Another alternative is to use anti-noise sound generators. These will counter the noises and undesirable sounds coming in.

Soundproofing aims at reducing or deadening of sound by the use of effective acoustical barriers. In recent times materials like vinyl are being used as effective barriers of sound. The viscous and elastic i.e. viscoelastic properties of certain materials have been employed in a useful manner in soundproofing. The soundproofing process is also being simplified more and more. Use of advanced technology is enabling low cost retrofitting (installation of soundproofing panels etc.) in a quick and easy manner in homes and offices. There is no need for removal of the existing drywalls of the office and home building structures too.

The weight, space, cost and aesthetics of the soundproofing setup are to be importantly considered while adopting soundproofing. The techniques involved vary depending upon whether the home is in a state of construction or retrofitting is being done to existing home and office buildings to achieve soundproofing.

Some simple techniques of construction too can go a long way to promote insulation against sound. If doors are constructed in such a manner that they do not line up directly across from each other then sound will be prevented from being transferred across through the open doors. Then again usage of some absorbent material inside rooms like curtains, carpets or soundproofing mats (on ceiling) will dampen and isolate noises and reverberations. There are also various kinds of soundproofing panels available with the fiberglass ones being quite popular. Retrofitting with such panels can be done in a few hours time. Firstly, the grid for the ceiling is installed and then the special tiles (panels) are placed on the ceiling. This is the inexpensive setup often adopted to achieve soundproofing in homes and offices.