Speech has the advantage that one does not need to be able to read or write. Furthermore the intonation and emotions of the speaker provide additional information and generate a more vivid experience than text. Speech is one of the most natural forms to exchange information. Its disadvantage is that it can not be as easily indexed and searched for - maybe this will change in the future. Culture independent sound icons are rare because to associate a sound with an object or action we have to have experienced that sound before.
Sound symbols have to be memorized but are easily recalled in a given context.
For example the Star Trek sound of sliding doors could be used for the action to open something. Once the meaning is associated with the sound symbol, information can be passed on very efficiently. Other examples would be the ticking of a clock or the wind blowing. However its intended meaning might not be obvious. Thus music should be considered a supplement and not the primary description of an object.