- 27% say hearing Nokia ringtone makes them feel the most nostalgic
- Almost half (45%) agree sound is most important for memory recall over sight and smell
- Gordon Harrison, Specsavers chief audiologist, comments on the findings
To mark World Hearing Day (3rd March), new research from Specsavers in the UK has uncovered that the original Nokia ringtone was voted the most nostalgic sound of the 80s, 90s and 00s, followed by typewriter keys clacking and a VHS tape being inserted into a video player.
Other memorable sounds in the top 25 list include the sound of a rotary phone dialing, cassette tapes being rewound and the dial-up modem connecting to the internet.
It was revealed that nearly half (45%) of adults agree that sounds evoke stronger memories than both smell and sight.
In addition, 69% agreed that sounds can even improve their quality of life, notably by improving their mood (48%), reducing anxiety (29%) and helping with sleep (25%).
Despite this, 85% admitted they take their hearing for granted, with over one in four (27%) admitting they never protect their ears from exposure to loud noises.
Hearing loss can significantly impact our ability to enjoy not only day-to-day conversations, but may also impact our ability to recall memories.
New studies are increasingly showing the link between hearing loss and dementia. Some research suggests that the risk of being diagnosed with dementia almost doubles if you live with untreated or mild hearing loss. This risk triples if living with moderate hearing loss.[1]
Jorge Martínez de Lizarduy Araico, audiologist at Specsavers in Benidorm adds: ‘When it comes to the science of nostalgia, our senses are amazing at picking up memory cues. Sound plays a huge role in triggering memories and the emotions associated with them.’
‘The results also remind us how important our hearing is when it comes to remembering things and places and connecting with people.’
Worryingly, 42% of those surveyed have experienced ringing or buzzing in their ears after being exposed to loud noises. And despite over a third of respondents regularly having problems with their hearing, a staggering 38% have never gone for a hearing test.
Admittedly, almost half (45%) feel their hearing has deteriorated with age and 55% are concerned they’ll lose their hearing altogether when they’re older.
Jorge said: ‘Even though hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions, it can be difficult to notice in the early stages. A mixture of good hearing protection and regular tests are easy ways to help monitor your hearing and minimise hearing loss, so you can continue to enjoy the sounds you love. Prevention is always best, so if you do notice any changes in your hearing, make sure you seek expert help as soon as possible.’
Some of the top signs that could signify that you have hearing loss are frequently asking others to repeat themselves and having the TV volume uncomfortably loud for others.
If you notice any changes in your hearing, book a free hearing test with Specsavers in Benidorm. The store is located in Calle Gambo 2, Benidorm and you can call 965 859 577 or visit www.specsavers.es to request a hearing or eye test.
TOP 25 NOSTALGIC SOUNDS:
- Nokia ringtone
- Typewriter keys clacking
- VHS tape being inserted into a video player
- The sound of a rotary phone dialing
- Cassette tapes being rewound
- Dial-up modem connecting to the internet
- Arcade game coin slots and game sounds
- Nokia Snake Game
- Synthesizer music characteristic of 80s pop songs –
- Sound of a Polaroid camera taking a photo
- Fax machine dialing and sending
- Pac-Man introduction tune
- PlayStation 2 startup sound
- Walkman cassette player buttons being clicked
- The ringtone of early mobile phones like Motorola Razr
- Sound of a Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis starting up
- Sound of a digital alarm clock beeping
- Floppy disk being ejected from a computer
- AOL dial-up connection process
- Floppy disk drive whirring
- AOL’s “You’ve Got Mail” notification
- The noise of a tamagotchi beeping
- The AOL “Goodbye” sound when signing off
- MP3 player startup chime
- Goldeneye pause music
