Research commissioned to support a government technical consultation on toilet provision in England, found that the noise from automatic hand dryers was reported to be distressing to the neurodiverse and those with learning disabilities. Those with children also reported the noise could be distressing. Also, echoing spaces, not specifically toilets, were reported as a barrier by deaf and hard of hearing people and in a neurodiversity focus group. Given hand dryers can be accidentally set off, even when paper towel dispensers are provided, especially where a carer is assisting in a cubicle, the preference was for hand dryers to be operated by a button to avoid them being set off accidentally. The report recommends that where any new hand dryers are installed, the noise level is low.
Consultation and full report on toilet design
