Minimize Background Audio for Speech Content

For prerecorded audio-only content that features primarily speech (excluding audio CAPTCHAs, audio logos, or musical vocalizations), one of the following must apply:

• No Background: The audio does not contain any background sounds.

• Turn Off: Background sounds can be turned off by the user.

• 20 dB Lower: Background sounds are at least 20 decibels lower than the foreground speech, except for brief, occasional sounds lasting only 1-2 seconds.

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• Good: A podcast where the background music is entirely muted or can be turned off, making the speech content clear.

• Good: An audio guide where background noise is 20 decibels lower than the spoken instructions, ensuring that the speech is easy to hear.

• Bad: An instructional video where background music competes with the spoken content, making it hard for users to understand the speech.

• Audio CAPTCHA or Logo: The requirements do not apply to audio CAPTCHAs or audio logos.

• Musical Expression: Content intended primarily for musical expression, such as singing or rapping, is exempt from these requirements.

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• Always ensure that speech content is the primary focus and that any background audio does not interfere with understanding.

• Provide users with control options to adjust or turn off background sounds when possible.

• Use audio editing tools to balance or reduce background noise to meet the decibel requirements.

1. Audio Review: Listen to the prerecorded content and check if the background sounds are either absent, significantly quieter, or adjustable by the user.

2. Decibel Measurement: Use audio analysis tools to measure the decibel levels of background sounds relative to the foreground speech, ensuring the background is at least 20 decibels lower.

3. User Feedback: Obtain feedback from users, especially those with hearing impairments, to ensure that the speech content is clear and not disrupted by background audio.

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