Sensory Processing Disorder  Noise Reduction Ear Protection 

Children who have sensory processing disorder can have sound sensitivities and hearing protection can be a very helpful tool for them to use. Hearing sensitivities can have a major impact on a child and how they function at home or in their community. 

Adults can also have hearing sensitivities too. A lot of people who have hearing sensitivities will avoid places because they are too loud.

What is not loud for us can be very loud for a child who has sensory processing disorder. A noise that is low for us could cause a child to have sensory overload. A child could feel comfortable in some environments without using noise reduction headphones but there are some places, the noise would be just too much for them.

Someone who has auditory sensory sensitivities can feel overwhelmed and it can also be painful for them. They could have a sensitivity to noises. This can make it challenging to focus, communicate or take part in a lot of different activities.

This can make someone feel anxious, frustrated and sometimes isolated. To better manage their sound sensitivities some people use ear protection earmuffs, ear plugs, or noise reduction earphones to help them cope with the sounds and noise level. 

Earmuffs for kids are specially designed to provide comfortable and effective hearing protection for children. These earmuffs typically have a soft headband and cushioned ear cups that cover the entire ear, reducing outside noise. They are often adjustable to fit different head sizes, making them suitable for toddlers to teenagers.

Earmuffs for kids can be particularly helpful in noisy environments such as concerts, sporting events, or airports. They can also be useful during daily activities that may cause sensory overload, such as playing with loud toys or using household appliances. Earmuffs for kids can help reduce the overall noise level, making it easier for children with SPD to cope with their environment.

Earplugs are small devices that are inserted into the ear canal to block out or reduce external noise. They come in various shapes and sizes, including foam, silicone, and custom-molded earplugs.

Foam earplugs are typically the most affordable and can be compressed to fit inside the ear canal, expanding once inserted to create a tight seal. Silicone earplugs are reusable and can be cleaned, making them a more durable option. Custom-molded earplugs are tailored to fit the unique shape of the user's ear canal, providing a comfortable and secure fit.

Earplugs can be particularly helpful for individuals with SPD who experience sound sensitivity in specific situations, such as during school, work, or social gatherings. They can also be used during leisure activities such as swimming or sleeping, providing additional sensory relief.

Noise reduction earphones are designed to reduce external noise while allowing the user to listen to music, audio books, or white noise. These earphones typically have active noise cancellation technology, which uses microphones to detect and block out external noise, creating a quieter listening experience.

Noise reduction earphones can be helpful for individuals with SPD who need to focus on a specific task or activity, such as studying or working. They can also be used to provide additional sensory relief during travel or other noisy situations.

A child will not always require noise reduction headphones but it's always a good idea to take them along. Using hearing protection can reduce a child's anxiety and stress. Noise reduction earphones, sometimes referred to as noise-cancelling headphones, use electronic technology to block out external sounds.

Each child will have their own preference to which hearing protection feels most comfortable. Some will prefer noise reduction earmuffs while others will prefer ear plugs. Ear protection can provide some relief for children with sensory processing disorder, they may not be suitable for everyone.

Noise Reduction Tools

DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness and support purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a professional. 

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