Sound sensitivities (hyperacusis) in children
Information for parents from the East Kent Children’s Hearing Service
We have written this factsheet to give you more information about sound sensitivities in children. It explains:
what sound sensitivities are; and
ways to support your child.
We hope it will help to answer some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of our team.
What are sound sensitivities?
Like adults, children may be sensitive to certain sounds. For example, loud, irregular sounds such as hand dryers and vacuum cleaners. Some children may also find prolonged loud noises, such as at a concert, too much. This type of sensitivity to sound is common in children and usually disappears as they get older.
What is hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis is when common, everyday sounds seem much louder than they should. This hypersensitivity to sound can be uncomfortable or sometimes even painful. It can also affect one or both ears, and it can come on suddenly or develop over time.
Hyperacusis can be extremely distressing for some children. It may trigger avoidance behaviours, which are actions a person takes to escape from difficult thoughts and feelings. This can affect a child’s general wellbeing and day-to-day life.
Who is affected by hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis can affect people of all ages, including adults. It is most common in young children and people with additional needs, such as autism.
Children who suffer from glue ear may also experience hyperacusis. This is because their hearing levels are only temporarily reduced, so when their hearing improves, normal everyday sounds can often seem much louder.
What signs should I look out for?
When confronted with loud noises, children with hyperacusis may:
cry
cover their ears with their hands
panic, or become angry or distressed
try to avoid the sounds, for example by leaving the room or turning off the television.
How can I help my child manage their sound sensitivity?
The good news is when managed sympathetically, this problem usually lessens with time.
It is important to acknowledge your child’s intolerance to certain sounds. However, you should not focus on it or promote avoidance behaviours. Instead, focus on an enjoyable aspect of the sound with your child. This can include the colourful lights of the fireworks or the colours on an emergency vehicle.
Reassure your child by explaining where the sound that is distressing them is coming from.
Comfort your child and take them away from the sound if necessary. It is good to get your child used to the sound. If they are particularly distressed, forcing them to stay close to the sound may not be helpful.
Where possible, avoid giving your child ear plugs or ear defenders. Using earplugs can cause your child’s ears to become more sensitive, as they get used to a reduced level of sound.
Repeated gentle exposure to the noise may help reduce your child’s reaction to it. For example record distressing sounds, such as sirens, on your mobile phone and allow your child to control the volume themselves.
Where you can, use warning words to prepare your child before a loud sound starts.
Encourage your child to make sounds they have control of. For example, clapping, banging a drum, playing with noisy toys, and turning on a vacuum cleaner themselves.
Play some gentle background sounds or music to your child when in a quiet place. This helps to increase the background volume, making sudden loud sounds less of a shock.
How can I help my child to relax?
Being able to help your child relax is important in managing the stress often linked with hyperacusis. It can help your child to reduce any physical anxiety response to hyperacusis.
There are various relaxation techniques which you can try.
Breathing exercises
Encourage your child to take deep breaths in, hold and breathe out. Find a rate that is comfortable for your child.
Muscle-relaxing exercises
Get your child to stretch their arms above their head as tall as they can get, on to their tiptoes if they can, and then flop down and let their body fold forwards. Repeat this a few times to help relax their muscles.
It is also important that your child is physically active every day, and that they have a good sleep routine to help reduce anxiety.
Contact details
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
East Kent Children Hearing Service
Telephone: 01227 866487
Email
Useful web sites
Content reproduced with permission from University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.