Nokia mobile ringtone answers the call for nostalgia

IT may be a blast from the past, but anyone who had a mobile phone in the Nineties will remember the catchy Nokia ringtone.

In fact, the iconic series of descending musical tones has become such an earworm that it has been named the most nostalgic sound of the Eighties, Nineties and Noughties in a poll.

The jingle, 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 to feature in the top 25 included the clacking of typewriter keys and VHS tapes being inserted into a video player.

Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers, which commissioned the survey of 2,000 British adults, 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, commissioned for World Hearing Day tomorrow, found 69 per cent of us felt certain noises could help improve our quality of life. Many listen to specific sounds to improve their mood (48 per cent), bring back memories (43 per cent), sleep (25 per cent) or reduce anxiety (29 per cent).

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

Of those surveyed by OnePoll, 45 per cent said their hearing had become worse with age, with 55 per cent concerned they would lose it altogether.

The main signs of deteriorating hearing cited by people were frequently having to ask others to repeat themselves (73 per cent) and having the TV uncomfortably loud (73 per cent).

Mr Harrison added: ‘Even though hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions, it can be difficult to notice in the early stages.

‘Good hearing protection and regular tests are easy ways to monitor your hearing and minimise hearing loss, so you can continue to enjoy the sounds you love. If you notice changes in your hearing, seek expert help.’