Is Your Kiddo Overwhelmed By Noise?
The auditory system helps us take in and make sense of sounds around us. It’s important for listening, understanding speech, and filtering background noise.
A well-regulated auditory system supports attention, learning, and staying calm in busy or noisy environments.
What Does the Auditory System Do:
Helps us recognize and understand speech and language
Alerts us to important sounds in the environment (like sirens or someone calling our name)
Supports attention and focus by filtering background noise
Affects our emotional state — certain sounds can be calming or triggering
Helps us follow directions and engage in conversations
Signs of Auditory Sensory Needs:
Children may be under-responsive (don’t notice sounds), over-responsive (overwhelmed by sounds), or crave auditory input.
Under-responsive (doesn’t notice enough):
Doesn’t respond to name being called
Seems unaware of sounds in the environment
Talks loudly or makes excessive noise
May enjoy loud or repetitive sounds (e.g., banging toys, humming)
Over-responsive (hears too much):
Covers ears in noisy places or during certain sounds (e.g., hand dryers, fire alarms, vacuum)
Becomes distressed with unexpected or loud sounds
Has difficulty focusing in noisy environments (e.g., classrooms, cafeterias)
Avoids group activities or noisy settings
Craving (seeking) auditory input:
Frequently hums, sings, or makes noise
Seeks out loud music or repetitive sounds
Repeatedly taps, bangs, or clicks objects
May ask others to repeat things or talk constantly
Activities That Provide Auditory Input:
These activities can help support the auditory system through calming, organizing, or alerting sounds:
Listening to music (soft for calming, upbeat for alerting)
Playing instruments: drums, shakers, xylophones, bells
Sound games: “Simon Says,” sound-matching games, echo games
White noise machines or calming nature sounds
Rhythm activities: clapping patterns, dancing to a beat
Quiet reading or audiobook time
Recording and playing back voice/sounds
Sing-along songs with movement
Auditory input can be overwhelming for some children — headphones, quiet spaces, or noise-canceling tools can help support regulation in loud environments. Observe how your child responds to different sounds and adjust accordingly.
Always monitor how a child responds — some may need breaks from sound, while others may need tools to help manage it without total avoidance. The goal is to help them feel safe, in control, and able to re-engage when ready.
At Creating Connections OT, we’re here to help your child thrive—emotionally, physically, and socially. If this post resonated with you and you're wondering what the next step looks like, our New Client Page has everything you need. From what to expect in your first session to how we support your child’s unique goals, it’s all just a click away.
