When we talk about digital accessibility, we first think of color contrasts, alternative texts for images, or subtitles for videos. But another type of contrast deserves our full attention: audio contrast.
This week, we're talking with Dave, who has been working with us in accessibility for several years, about the importance of good audio contrast in our videos.
What is Audio Contrast?
Audio contrast is the ability to clearly distinguish important sounds (such as a voice) from background noise. Imagine you're chatting in a noisy restaurant: if you're having trouble hearing the person you're talking to, it's because the contrast between their voice and the ambient noise is too weak.
In the context of audio or video content, the same principle applies. If the voice is drowned out by music or ambient sounds, the message becomes difficult to understand, especially for people with hearing or cognitive impairments.
Why it matters?
Insufficient audio contrast can compromise the transmission of information. To be accessible, audio or video content must offer a clear and clearly perceptible signal. This is not only beneficial for people with disabilities, but also for everyone: better sound improves the clarity of the message, makes it easier to understand... and even automatic subtitle creation!
How to Check and Fix Audio Contrast?
The good news is that there are simple tools to analyze and improve audio contrast. For example, Audacity, a free audio editing software, allows you to evaluate the difference between background noise and voice. The ideal? Aim for a gap of at least 20 decibels between speech and background sound.
What's next? It is possible to clean the audio using filters, noise reduction, or even AI-based solutions. The result: a sharper, more pleasant soundtrack... and more accessible.
Accessibility is also in the details
Correcting audio contrasts is another step towards digital inclusion. It's about making sure that information flows well, for everyone.
Whether you're working on a corporate video, a podcast, or a training capsule, think about sound as much as image. And if you need a hand, we're here to support you — whether it's for color contrast, videos... or sound.
To go further
We can help you optimize contrast in your projects, whether it's audio or design. Do you have a project in mind? Tell us about it!