Change Audio settings for accessibility on Mac
On your Mac, use Audio settings to make the screen flash when an alert occurs, play stereo sound as mono, turn Spatial Audio on or off, set accessibility options for Apple earbuds and earphones paired to your Mac, or play background sounds to mask unwanted environmental noise.
To change these settings, choose Apple menu 
in the sidebar, then click Audio on the right. (You may need to scroll down.)
General
Option | Description |
|---|---|
Flash the screen when an alert sound occurs | Make your screen flash when you receive an alert. |
Play stereo audio as mono | Make your Mac play stereo audio tracks as mono audio in the left and right speakers or headphones. |
Spatial audio follows head movements | When you watch or listen to content that supports Spatial Audio (immersive three-dimensional audio) on your Mac, the audio automatically adjusts as you move your head. A sound that seemed to be behind you may seem like it’s beside you when you turn your head. This option is selected by default. If you have difficulty controlling head movements or it’s uncomfortable to have sounds seem to change location as you move your head, turn the setting off. You’re still listening to Spatial Audio, but the apparent location of sounds doesn’t change. This option is available only on Mac computers with Apple silicon. Spatial Audio is available with AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (all generations), and AirPods Max. |
Your AirPods or other compatible headphones
If you have more than one pair of compatible headphones paired to your Mac, click the Info button 
next to their name to set options for that pair.
Note: The available options vary based on the model of headphones paired to your Mac.
Option | Description |
|---|---|
Press speed | When an action requires pressing the buttons, force sensor, or Touch control on your headphones multiple times, adjust how quickly you must press before the action occurs. |
Press and hold duration | Adjust the duration required to press and hold the buttons, force sensor, or Touch control on your headphones before an action occurs. |
Noise Cancellation with One Earbud | Allow noise cancellation mode when you’re only wearing one earbud. |
Tone volume | Adjust the volume of the sound effects, such as low battery alerts, played by your headphones. |
Background Sounds
Option | Description |
|---|---|
Background sounds | Play calming background sounds to mask unwanted environmental noise. |
Background sound | Choose which background sound—such as Rain or Balanced Noise—to play. |
Background sounds volume | Adjust the volume of the background sound. |
Turn off background sounds when your Mac is not in use | Automatically turn off background sounds when your Mac is in sleep, the screen saver is on, or the screen is locked. |
Sound Settings | Adjust the system volume, select a different sound input or output device, and more. See Change Sound settings. |