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by kmoser 745 days ago
At least chimes are language-agnostic. Verbal warnings like "pull up" are only good if you have a reasonable grasp of English.
3 comments

True, but professional pilots from all countries are expected to be fluent in Aviation English. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviation_English
Yes, but in a high-stress environment, your ability to process words--especially those not in your native language--goes down the tubes quickly. Even if you were to tune out sounds to the same degree that you tune out words, at least the sounds would still have a relatively universal meaning, e.g. loud klaxon for big problem, soft chime for minor notification.
At the very end, there's some examples of more literal sounds. It says there hasn't been a study, but I would bet they're a lot more clear with out having to resort of the aviation standard of "just learn basic english".

buh-bump is cardiac stuff. wiSShhh... wooosSH is respiratory stuff.

Only thing is, I bet you can hear sounds similar to those in a hospital. The "beep beep" they put over it might not be enough. Still a really interesting research topic!

Another good thing is that they allow for talking over them better. The same way you may sing along to an instrumental-only music track using whichever lyrics you prefer.