Advice and resources : Auditory (hearing) system

Overview

If the brain does not process noise accurately then we may be described as over responsive or under-responsive to noise sensation and this will affect our behaviour. We may need more or less noise in our environment in order to help us focus on a task.

Under responsive auditory (hearing) system

If a child has an under responsive auditory (hearing) system they might:

• Not notice when their name is called.
• Enjoy and seek out loud or unusual noises more than peers.
• Have a disregard for sudden or loud noises.
• Not pay attention in a noisy environment or to people.
• Show delayed responses to noise.
• Make noise by tapping, humming or whistling.
• Need noise to increase their levels of alertness.

How you can help with an over responsive auditory system

If a child has an over responsive auditory system there are things you can do to help:

• Play soft, calming music (such as classical music) into headphones to help them concentrate or calm down, make sure the music isn’t playing too loudly through the headphones
• Allow them to carry out activities in a quiet environment at intervals throughout the day, this might involve them working with a small group of peers outside their main classroom
• Give them something to fidget with
• Play ‘white noise’ (which can be downloaded from the internet or phone apps) quietly through their headphones
• Ask them to wear headphones (without additional noise) or a tight-fitting hat to provide relief from noise

How you can help with an under responsive auditory system

If a child has an under-responsive hearing system, there are things that you can do to help:

• Make sure you gain eye contact with your child when you need their attention.
• Understand that your child’s lack of response isn’t necessarily under their control.
• Allow them to be noisy in a controlled environment.
• Make sure headphones are used at a reasonable noise level to avoid damaging the ears.