Our auditory system helps us to process and understand sounds in our environment. Some individuals have auditory systems which function differently, and may experience a hypersensitivity to sound. This is known as auditory defensiveness.
A child experiencing auditory defensiveness may:
- Cover their ears to block out noise
- Show signs of distress in response to noises that others may not be bothered by
- Dislike noisy everyday objects such as vacuum cleaners, hair dryers etc.
- Avoid noisy events such as large family gatherings
- Struggle to concentrate on tasks and be easily distracted by background noise
- ‘Act out’ in order to be removed from a noisy situation
Noise, or the anticipation of it, can cause a child’s nervous system to be in a state of alert (or ‘defensiveness’) which can make it difficult for them to interact with their peers and focus in the classroom.
Having a child with auditory defensiveness can be difficult to understand if you as a parent have a typically functioning auditory system. However, noise sensitivity and the associated feelings of distress are very real for a child and it is important to treat the issue as such.
How to support a child with auditory defensiveness:
- Try to give your child warning about upcoming noisy events such as a trip to the shopping centre.
- Sensory tools, such as a sensory chewing or fidget toy, can help a child calm down in noisy situations and can help with focus in the classroom. Even just knowing these tools are there if a child needs them can help them feel more in control of the situation.
- Accomodations can be made in the classroom, such as having your child seated in the front of the class, having a quiet area for children to go when they need to, etc.
- Headphones can be used to block out background noise and increase concentration. However, some OTs do not recommend using them all the time as it can act as a bandaid solution rather than addressing the root cause, and may even increase sensitivity.
An occupational therapist can also support auditory defensiveness. Some OTs use sound-based interventions which use specific therapeutic sounds or music to gradually change the way the brain processes sound. OTs can also develop a individualised ‘sensory diet’ to help with auditory processing and calming the nervous system.
Auditory defensiveness can be challenging, but know that you are not alone and that there are supports and intervention available.