Return to list of success criteria
1.4.7 For prerecorded audio-only content that (1) contains primarily speech in the foreground, (2) is not an audio CAPTCHA or audio logo, and (3) is not vocalization intended to be primarily musical expression such as singing or rapping, at least one of the following is true: (Level AAA)Understanding Success Criterion 1.4.7
No Background: The audio does not contain background sounds.
Turn Off: The background sounds can be turned off.
20 dB: The background sounds are at least 20 decibels lower than the foreground speech content, with the exception of occasional sounds that last for only one or two seconds.
Note: Per the definition of "decibel," background sound that meets this requirement will be approximately four times quieter than the foreground speech content.
Note: Other techniques may also be sufficient if they meet the success criterion.
Providing a way for users to adjust auditory levels of foreground and background sound independently (future link)
Providing an audio track for synchronized media that includes background sounds that are at least 20 decibels lower than speech (future link)