Sound alerts or visual alerts?

[Shadow Trader]

Short and sweet debate.

Sound alerts grab attention even when eyes are elsewhere, useful for catching setups across several pairs. They also startle, annoy household members, and can add pressure. A sudden beep during a quiet session can trigger an impulsive click.

Visual alerts, like a flashing panel or color change, are calmer, but easy to miss while focused on another chart.

A hybrid works for many: a quiet sound for informational alerts and a distinct, louder one for critical warnings like disconnections or margin issues.

Noise-cancelling headphones add another layer. They help focus, but they also make it easier to miss real-world interruptions.

A related trick is using vibration on a smartwatch for critical events only. The watch buzzes for a disconnection or a margin warning, and everything else stays silent. It keeps the desk quiet and the important signals clear, especially during long sessions.

Which type works better in practice, and has an alert ever been so annoying that it got turned off permanently?