[Auditory Hypersensitivity] Are earmuffs or headphones necessary? How they can bring relief even just at home
Are earmuffs or headphones really necessary for a child with auditory hypersensitivity?
Our family struggled with this for a long time, too.
We don't use them outside, only at home. Even so, just having the option to put a little distance between ourselves and the noise has made things easier for both parent and child.
To begin with, why is sound so exhausting?
Children with auditory hypersensitivity can sometimes "hear too much."
Sudden noises, multiple voices talking at once, or a space where everyday sounds overlap.
Sounds that adults don't even notice can be intense stimuli for them, tiring out their minds and bodies without them even realizing it.
It is not a lack of patience, nor is it being overly sensitive.
It is simply that they perceive sound a little differently.
Even though that is all it is, it is a trait that is hard to see and difficult for others to understand in daily life.
Why are earmuffs and headphones effective?
Earmuffs and headphones are often thought of as "tools to block out sound."
But in reality, I feel they are tools for adjusting the distance from sound.
By reducing sound stimulation,
the amount of information the brain has to process decreases
tension caused by unpredictable sounds is eased
the mental space to recover one's composure is created
These changes happen little by little.
This is not "running away."
It is a perfectly natural form of self-care to protect oneself.
A deeper look at the difference between earmuffs and headphones
They look very similar, but their roles are slightly different.
Earmuffs
Physically reduce sound
Suitable for children who just want to be in silence
Great for reading or times when you want to concentrate
Headphones
Not "erasing" sound, but "replacing" it
You can regulate your mood with your favorite sounds or music
Suitable for children who want to create a sense of security
There is no single right answer.
Is it easier without sound, or is it easier with pleasant sound?
What works best depends on the child's own senses.
Why our family chose headphones
For Christmas this year, my daughter asked for Audio-Technica headphones
ATH-S300BT.
We went to an electronics store as a family and chose them after actually listening to them.
The deciding factors were:
The material touching the ears is very soft
The sound is not too sharp and has no harsh edges
They don't cause fatigue even after listening for a long time
A natural color that doesn't stand out too much
My daughter was the type who felt more at ease entering her own world through music.
I think she felt more secure being "wrapped in gentle sounds" than by completely erasing sound.
She only uses them at home, in the car, and when staying away from home
My daughter does not wear headphones outside.
She doesn't use them at school or outdoors.
This is because she is inevitably concerned about "looking different from others."
Therefore, she only uses them
at home, in the car while traveling, and when staying away from home.
Even so, it was enough.
"There is a place where I can get away from sound"
"If I feel overwhelmed, there is a place I can return to"
Just having that option
has softened my daughter's expression and made the time she spends at home more peaceful.
3 points to check when trying them out
If you are thinking of giving them a try, there are a few things I would like you to check before purchasing.
The softness of the material that touches your ears
If the pressure is too strong, it becomes a source of stress in itself.The "gentleness" of the sound
Sound with too high a resolution can sometimes be tiring instead.How it feels after wearing it for more than 10 minutes
Please value whether you feel like you want to keep wearing it.
I think it is fine to choose based on "comfort" rather than performance.comfortI think it is fine to choose based on "comfort" rather than performance.
Music might create freedom for the mind
Music is not just for enjoying sound; it might be something that creates a sanctuary for the mind.
You can be alone while still being in the same room as your family.
There is a place you can quietly return to when your feelings are unsettled.
That is a great comfort for both children and parents.
Summary | You don't have to wear them every day
Earmuffs and headphones don't have to be something you use every day.
It's okay if you can't use them outside.
It's okay to use them only at home or only in the car.
Parents sincerely wish for their children to be
calmer, more at ease, and have more time to smile.
I believe that this choice will lighten someone's feelings somewhere,
and lead to smiles and peaceful times.
May this reach those who need it, in the way they need it.