Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024
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Take a step back in time – but can you name the source of these retro sounds from the 80s, 90s, and 00s?

The quiz was created after a poll of 2,000 adults revealed the recognisable Nokia ringtone is the most nostalgic sound of the decades.

Think you can name all 25 sounds from over the decades?2

Think you can name all 25 sounds from over the decades?Credit: .
The Nokia ringtone features in the quiz, do you remember what it sounds like?

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The Nokia ringtone features in the quiz, do you remember what it sounds like?Credit: SWNS

The tune, which dates back to 1994, beat the likes of cassette tapes being rewound, dial-up internet connections and the Pac-Man theme.

Other nostalgic sounds of the past to feature in the top 25 included typewriter keys clacking and VHS tapes being inserted into a video player.

Nokia made the list again with the famous Snake game tune, while another ringtone to feature was the Motorola Razr.

The research was commissioned by Specsavers ahead of World Hearing Day on March 3rd to highlight how important hearing is for treasured memories, as well as our overall health.

Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at the brand, said: “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.”

The study also revealed sounds from the top 25 list leave 40 per cent of people feeling nostalgic and 17 per cent feeling happy.

While 69 per cent feel certain noises can even help improve their quality of life.

As a result, many listen to specific sounds to improve their mood, bring back memories, sleep or reduce anxiety.

But 85 per cent admitted they take their hearing for granted, with 27 per cent never protecting their ears.

Of those who do look after their hearing, 45 per cent limit exposure to loud sounds and 37 per cent keep music at a low volume.

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Worryingly, 42 per cent have experienced ringing or buzzing in their ears after being exposed to loud noises.

And despite 39 per cent regularly having problems with their hearing, 38 per cent have never gone for a hearing test, while 18 per cent last did so more than five years ago.

Of those polled via OnePoll, 45 per cent feel their hearing has got worse with age, with 55 per cent concerned they’ll lose it altogether when they’re older.

As a result, 37 per cent admitted they need to do more to protect their ears, while 64 per cent think more awareness around hearing loss is needed.

It also emerged often asking others to repeat themselves (73 per cent) and having the TV volume uncomfortably loud (73 per cent) are the top signs people look out for when it comes to their hearing.

The findings come after research from The Leeds Teaching Hospitals suggested the risk of getting dementia almost doubles if you have an untreated mild hearing loss and triples if it’s moderate.

Gordon Harrison added: “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.”

Take the quiz here.

TOP 25 NOSTALGIC SOUNDS

1.            Nokia ringtone

2.            Typewriter keys clacking

3.            VHS tape being inserted into a video player

4.            The sound of a rotary phone dialling

5.            Cassette tapes being rewound

6.            Dial-up modem connecting to the internet

7.            Arcade game coin slots and game sounds

8.            Nokia Snake Game

9.            Synthesizer music characteristic of 80s pop songs

10.         Sound of a Polaroid camera taking a photo

11.         Fax machine dialling and sending

12.         Pac-Man introduction tune

13.         PlayStation 2 start-up sound

14.         Walkman cassette player buttons being clicked

15.         The ringtone of early mobile phones, like Motorola Razr

16.         A Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis starting up

17.         A digital alarm clock beeping

18.         A floppy disk being ejected from a computer

19.         AOL dial-up connection process

20.         A floppy disk drive whirring

21.         AOL’s “You’ve Got Mail” notification

22.         The noise of a Tamagotchi beeping

23.         The AOL “Goodbye” sound when signing off

24.         MP3 player start-up chime

25.         Goldeneye pause music

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