Understanding Success Criterion 1.4.6 [Low or No Background Audio]
1.4.6 Audio content that is not an audio CAPTCHA and [2355] that contains speech in the foreground does not contain background sounds, background sounds can be turned off, or background sounds are at least 20 decibels lower than the foreground speech content, with the exception of occasional sound effects. (Level AAA)
Note: Background sound that meets this requirement will be approximately one quarter as loud as the foreground speech content.
Intent of this Success Criterion
The intent of this success criterion is to ensure that any non-speech sounds are low enough that a user who is hard of hearing can understand the speech. Individuals who are hard of hearing have difficulty separating speech from background sounds or other noise. Background sound that meets this requirement will be approximately one quarter as loud as the foreground speech content.
The value of 20 dB was chosen based on Large area assistive listening systems (ALS): Review and recommendations [LAALS] and In-the-ear measurements of interference in hearing aids from digital wireless telephones [HEARING-AID-INT]
Specific Benefits of Success Criterion 1.4.6:
People who are hard of hearing often have great difficulty separating speech from background sound.
Examples of Success Criterion 1.4.6
Related Resources
Resources are for information purposes only, no endorsement implied.
Techniques and Failures for Success Criterion 1.4.6 [Low or No Background Audio]
Each numbered item in this section represents a technique or combination of techniques that the WCAG Working Group deems sufficient for meeting this success criterion. The techniques listed only satisfy the success criterion if all of the WCAG 2.0 conformance requirements have been met.
Sufficient Techniques
Not including audio content (future link)
Common Failures Identified by the Working Group
The following are common mistakes that are considered failures of Success Criterion 1.4.6 by the WCAG Working Group.
(No failures currently documented)
Additional Techniques (Advisory) for 1.4.6
Although not required for conformance, the following additional techniques should be considered in order to make content more accessible. Not all techniques can be used or would be effective in all situations.
Providing a way for users to adjust auditory levels of foreground and background sound independently (future link)