Acoustical ceiling tiles are rated based on noise reduction, problem is most get noise reduction based on pours (holes) in tiles. As soon as they are installed the pours start filling with dirt and dust and over time lose their rating. Most never realize that they are not doing the job because the noise levels grow slowly over time. Since acoustical tiles are almost impossible to clean and painting seals the holes the only thing left is to replace often to keep the noise down.
Good news is they may not be needed for everyone. Have you ever gone into an empty house with hard ceilings and floors, no furniture and it echoes, but as soon as you put furniture in the echo disappears.
Your choice buy acoustical and plan on replacing once a year to keep noise reduction (which may not be that big of a deal for most). Plan on replacing acoustical tiles often, due to acoustic value dropping, water stains, sagging, mold and other issues. Or buy a tile that you never have to replace again, and save the money on replacement tiles, labor and down time for other things.
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