Accessibility Statement

Last reviewed: August 21, 2026

SoundDBMeter.com is committed to making its browser-based tools and educational content accessible to as many people as reasonably possible, including people who use assistive technologies or have visual, auditory, motor, speech, cognitive or other disabilities.

Accessibility is an ongoing process. This statement explains our current accessibility goal, the measures we take, known limitations and how to contact us if you encounter a barrier.

Our Accessibility Goal

We use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at Level AA as a reference for ongoing design, development and content improvements.

We do not currently claim that every page or tool fully conforms to WCAG 2.2 Level AA. Some features—particularly live microphone readings, audio output and continuously updating visualizations—present accessibility challenges that we continue to evaluate.

Our goal is to provide clear content, operable controls and useful alternatives wherever practical while being transparent about functions that depend on hearing, microphone input or visual interpretation.

Measures We Take

When creating or updating SoundDBMeter.com, we work to support accessibility through measures such as:

  • clear page titles and heading structures;
  • readable text and spacing;
  • descriptive links;
  • text labels for form fields and controls;
  • keyboard-operable buttons, inputs and selectors;
  • visible keyboard focus;
  • sufficient contrast for text and important interface elements;
  • layouts that adapt to different screen sizes;
  • text alternatives for meaningful images where appropriate;
  • instructions and validation messages for calculator inputs;
  • audio playback that begins only after user action;
  • text-based results for calculation tools;
  • plain-language explanations of technical subjects.

Accessibility may vary depending on the page, tool, browser, device, operating system and assistive technology being used.

Accessibility of Sound Tools

The SoundDBMeter.com tools include calculation tools, microphone-input tools, audio-output tools and hearing-related tools. These categories have different accessibility considerations.

Calculation Tools

Tools that use typed numerical inputs and return text results do not require microphone input or audio output. These tools are generally more suitable for people who rely on keyboard navigation, screen readers or text-based interaction.

We work to provide:

  • visible input labels;
  • clear unit and setting descriptions;
  • keyboard-operable controls;
  • understandable validation messages;
  • results displayed as selectable text;
  • layouts that remain usable when text is enlarged.

Compatibility may still vary, and users are encouraged to report any input, focus or result that is difficult to access.

Microphone-Based Tools

The Online Decibel Meter, Background Noise Test, Frequency Analyzer and Online Microphone Test require browser permission to access a microphone.

Controls such as Start, Stop, Reset and calibration inputs should remain operable without relying only on a mouse. However, some microphone tools display readings that update many times per second.

Announcing every live change through a screen reader could make the tool difficult or impossible to use. For that reason, rapidly changing values may not be announced continuously. Static results, detected status messages or session summaries may offer a more useful text-based alternative where available.

Microphone permission dialogs are controlled by the browser or operating system. Their appearance and assistive-technology support may therefore differ from the rest of the website.

Frequency Analyzer

The Frequency Analyzer includes a continuously changing visual representation of detected frequency content. This graphical output may not currently have a complete screen-reader equivalent.

Text such as a dominant frequency or detected-note result may provide partial information where available, but it may not communicate everything shown in the full spectrum visualization.

This remains a known accessibility limitation.

Tone Generator

The Tone Generator produces an audible signal through the user’s speakers or headphones. Its purpose is inherently dependent on audio perception, so an equivalent listening experience cannot always be provided to users who cannot hear the generated tone.

We aim to keep its frequency, waveform, volume and playback controls keyboard operable and clearly labelled. Audio should not begin until the user deliberately starts playback.

Users should begin at a low volume and be able to stop playback at any time.

Online Hearing Test

The Online Hearing Test requires the user to listen and respond to audio signals. It may therefore not be usable by people who cannot perceive the test tones.

We aim to make the instructions, controls, progress information and results available as text and operable by keyboard. Information should not depend on colour alone.

Because this tool is audio-dependent, it may not be possible to provide an equivalent non-audio experience without changing the fundamental purpose of the test.

The Online Hearing Test is a general screening tool, not a clinical assessment. Accessibility limitations do not change the medical limitations described in our Disclaimer.

Known Accessibility Limitations

Depending on the tool and technology used, current limitations may include:

  • rapidly changing meter values that are not continuously announced;
  • graphs, gauges or spectrum displays without complete text equivalents;
  • tool states or visual changes that may not always be communicated immediately;
  • audio-dependent functions with no equivalent non-audio experience;
  • locally stored results that may behave differently in private browsing;
  • custom controls that may vary in usability across browsers or assistive technologies;
  • complex tables or interfaces that may require horizontal movement at high zoom.

We are working to identify and improve these issues as the website and its tools are updated.

Browser and Assistive-Technology Compatibility

SoundDBMeter.com is designed for current browsers and commonly used devices. Accessibility can be affected by:

  • the browser and its version;
  • operating-system accessibility settings;
  • screen-reader or magnification software;
  • keyboard configuration;
  • high-contrast or forced-colour settings;
  • browser zoom and text-spacing preferences;
  • microphone or audio permissions;
  • device-specific input and output hardware.

Using an up-to-date browser and assistive technology may provide a better experience, but we do not guarantee compatibility with every possible combination.

Text Alternatives and Assistance

Many subjects covered by the interactive tools are also explained through text-based educational content. Where an audio or visual feature is difficult to use, these articles may provide a more accessible way to understand the underlying concept.

Our Testing Methodology explains how different tools operate, while Accuracy & Limitations describes the technical constraints affecting their results.

If you need information from a page in a different accessible format, contact us. We will consider reasonable ways to provide the relevant information where practical.

Ongoing Improvements

Accessibility is considered when we:

  • add or redesign a tool;
  • update site navigation or page templates;
  • change colours, controls or typography;
  • introduce new interactive features;
  • review user feedback;
  • identify an accessibility barrier.

We may use keyboard checks, browser zoom, contrast review and assistive-technology testing as part of this work. This statement will be reviewed periodically and after significant changes to the website’s tools or structure.

Accessibility Feedback

We welcome feedback from users who encounter accessibility barriers.

You can contact us directly at:

Email: contact@sounddbmeter.com
Contact page: Contact SoundDBMeter.com

When reporting an issue, please include as much of the following information as you are comfortable sharing:

  • the page or tool where the problem occurred;
  • what you were trying to do;
  • what happened;
  • your browser and device;
  • the assistive technology you were using, if applicable;
  • the accessible format or outcome that would help you.

We will review accessibility feedback and consider appropriate improvements. We do not promise a specific resolution or response time, but genuine reports are valuable in helping us improve the website.

Applicable Rights

Nothing in this Accessibility Statement limits any accessibility, disability, consumer or other right available under applicable law.

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