The Sense: Hearing
(Auditory Processing)
What is Auditory Processing?
Auditory information is the input that we receive with our ears. Auditory can be one of the most difficult sensory inputs for the brain to organize. Auditory input has many variables such as tone, rhythm, pitch, and loudness. Sounds can be alerting or calming, and can therefore be used to help your child to obtain a level of arousal that is conducive for learning.
What would I see if my child has difficulty processing auditory information?
Over reactive Auditory System-increased sensitivity to sound
This child may:
o Respond to noises/sounds that are barely audible to others (fire engine 10 blocks away)
o Dislike music playing in a car or during circle time
o Be sensitive to or act fearful of louder children around them
o Be distracted by sounds like refrigerator, air conditioner, and even some lights.
o Have a negative response to unexpected or loud noises
(i.e. sirens, vacuum, phone ringing, fire drill, etc.)
o Cover ears to protect from sound
o Be easily distracted by environmental noises
Under Reactive Auditory System-decreased sensitivity to sound
This child may:
o Have difficulty following verbal directions
o Have a history of frequent ear infections
o Turn volume of toys, television, and radio’s up
o Not be able to differentiate sounds
o Be confused about where sounds are coming from and what they are
o Seem oblivious in an active environment
o Make noise constantly including talking loudly or making noise for noise’s sake.
o Miss words spoken to him/her but hearing is normal
What can I do to help support my child at home?
q Incorporate music during tough times (transitions, self-care activities, etc.) such as “This is the way we put on our socks”.
q Use background music to emphasize either movement or calming. Such music includes Mozart and other classical composers, children’s rhymes, and soundtracks from children’s movies.
q Eliminate distracting environmental noise when possible.
q Change the volume and tone of your voice to fit desired effect (calming or alerting).
q May use headphones on children over 2 years, keeping the volume very low to prevent damage to hearing.
q Anticipate loud noises whenever possible and prepare a child who displays auditory defensiveness.
q Play soft classical music, Mozart, etc. for relaxing, decreased arousal
q Loud, upbeat music with faster rhythm is more alerting
GENERAL RULE:
- Rhythmic sounds, low volume, and consistency of sounds tend to be calming. (i.e. white noise, fans)
- Loud sounds, erratic variations in sounds tend to be more alerting (i.e. bells, fire alarm, loud voices, etc.)
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