Auditory

Reacting to Sounds

Listening is complex. It involves: 

• Intensity (how loud a sound is) 

• Frequency (pitch) 

• Duration

• Location

CYP with auditory processing difficulties may struggle to focus on important sounds and ignore background noise. This can affect how they behave and respond in different settings. 

For example, in school, a CYP may not follow instructions because they are distracted by sounds others don’t notice.

Signs of Auditory Processing Difficulties

Under-Sensitive

• Doesn’t respond to their name 

• Slow to react to sounds 

• Struggles to tell sounds apart, even when quiet 

Helpful strategies: 

• Reduce background noise (turn off TV or radio) 

• Choose seating carefully (e.g. near the teacher or away from noisy areas) 

• Use visual supports with spoken instructions 

• Gain eye contact before speaking

Over-Sensitive

• Finds noise overwhelming or distorted 

• Hears distant sounds others don’t (e.g. hand dryers, lawn mowers) 

• Struggles in crowded or noisy places 

• Covers ears often 

• May act out to escape noise 

• Makes own sounds (e.g. humming) to block background noise 

Seeking Auditory Input

• Shouts 

• Bangs objects 

• Plays music loudly

Impact on Learning

CYP may: 

• Struggle to follow directions 

• Feel anxious in noisy places 

• React strongly to high-pitched or repetitive sounds (e.g. school bells) 

Settings like schools or restaurants can be challenging due to overlapping sounds from corridors, classrooms, and dining areas. 

Strategies That Might Help

• Close doors and windows to reduce noise 

• Prepare CYP before going to noisy places 

• Offer earplugs or headphones with calming music 

• Create quiet workspaces away from doors and windows 

• Use visual aids (e.g. flip charts, whiteboards, handouts) 

• Give clear, short instructions—use pictures if needed 

• Repeat important information 

• Let CYP sit close to the teacher or in quieter areas 

• Warn CYP before loud sounds (e.g. school bell) 

• Have calming strategies ready for unexpected noises 

• Try headphones with low-volume music in busy places 

• Use proprioceptive (body awareness) activities before noisy events to calm the nervous system 

Sound Sensitivity

What Is It?

Some children and young people (CYP) are sensitive to certain sounds. These sounds may feel uncomfortable or upsetting. This sensitivity can vary from person to person. 

• Hyperacusis: sensitivity to sound 

• Phonophobia: fear of specific sounds 

Common triggers include: 

• Sirens 

• Vacuum cleaners 

• Motorbikes 

• Fireworks 

• Balloons popping 

• Hair dryers 

• Hand dryers 

Sometimes, even quiet sounds that others don’t notice can be distressing.

What Causes It?

Sound sensitivity can be a normal part of development. Many young children find loud, sudden sounds scary—especially if they don’t understand what the sound is or where it comes from. 

Most CYP adapt over time as they learn that these sounds are not dangerous. 

CYP with sensory processing differences or complex needs may experience sound sensitivity more intensely. Support may be available from: 

• Occupational Therapy

• Paediatricians

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Glue Ear and Sound Sensitivity

CYP who have had glue ear (a temporary hearing condition) may become sensitive to sound once their hearing returns to normal. After a period of reduced hearing, the world can suddenly feel louder and overwhelming.

How to Help

1. Reassurance

• Explain what the sound is and where it comes from 

• Prepare CYP in advance if you know a loud sound is coming 

• Keep a list of sounds that cause distress and share it with caregivers 

2. Remove the Fear Factor

Use humour to make scary sounds less frightening. For example: 

• Dress up the hairdryer with funny glasses and ears 

• Give it a silly voice 

Laughing at the object can help reduce fear. 

3. Relaxation and Breathing

Teach simple breathing techniques to help CYP stay calm. One method: 

• Trace up and down each finger while breathing in and out 

There are many free relaxation apps available for smartphones and tablets. 

4. Avoid Silence

It may seem helpful to use ear defenders or earplugs, but this can make CYP more sensitive over time. Avoid blocking sounds completely. Instead, help CYP gradually get used to them. 

5. Desensitisation

Let CYP explore upsetting sounds in a safe, controlled way: 

• Use video clips with the sound turned down or off 

• Let CYP press “play” and control the volume 

• Slowly increase the volume over time 

This process may take days or weeks. Go at the pace that feels right for the CYP. 

6. Traffic Light System

For older CYP, explain that their brain is being “too clever” by reacting strongly to sounds. 

Use a traffic light system: 

• Red: Brain is on high alert and sees sounds as scary 

• Green: Brain is calm and sees sounds as safe 

Encourage CYP to remember this system when they hear upsetting sounds. Help them shift from “red” to “green.”