![]() Ear plugs – Ear plugs can help block out extraneous noise when taking a test, doing homework or in a noisy environment (I have even had parents wear ear plugs in the waiting room and this seemed to help organize their nervous systems too!) Listening Programs – Explore the use of different listening programs such as Therapeutic Listening or The Listening Program if you are working with someone who has been trained in the use of one of these (generally an OT or SLP, but other professionals may be trained as well) Wearing earbuds seems to be a constant for most teens, so listening to music or white noise in this way is a great strategy that helps them fit in with their peers too! Noise cancelling headphones work well for some teens, while others benefit from listening to music with more calming tones, such as classical music. Headphones – This may take some exploring and experimenting. Strategies for Teens who are Hyper-sensitive (over-sensitive) to Auditory Input So once we’ve identified the problem areas, how do we help our teens who are struggling with auditory input? What are some good strategies to help teens that are hyper or hypo sensitive or seeking out additional auditory input?īelow are some strategies I have used, or been fortunate enough to observe other wonderful OT’s use over the years, and I hope they are helpful for you too! Once they become more self-aware, they hopefully will be more of an active participant with engaging in strategies to support this area of need. You could even create your own auditory checklist (using the above info) to have your teen fill out and help him or her become more aware of how they are responding to auditory input. From here, we can talk about any sensory problem areas. I like to have the teens I work with fill out a the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile or a Teen Sensory Tools Survey from Tools for Teens: Strategies to Promote Sensory Processing to help them become more self-aware of their sensory preferences. Helping a teen to become self-aware that auditory input is a problem for him (either because he seeks out additional auditory input, avoids auditory input, or has trouble responding to auditory input) may be the first step to improving this area. Teens do not want to be different from their friends, and they do want to know the reasoning behind why they are doing things. Here’s a quick printable checklist of auditory behaviors that may signal an issue with auditory sensory processing in teens and older kids.Īs we talked about in the previous post about sensory strategies for teens, an important consideration is how to support older kids’ sensory needs without making them stand out from their peers. Leaves the room when others are watching tv, listening to music or using noisy household tools Struggles in large open spaces such as auditoriums and gyms Startles easily with unexpected and/or loud noises Avoids loud noises and/or refuses to attend noisy events such as concerts, movie theatres, parties Often makes noise and/or speaks loudly Signs of Auditory Hyper-sensitivity in Teens ![]() Likes to attend events with a lot of noise Hums, whistles and/or sings to self excessively Seems “zoned out” or is easily lost during lectures, classes Has a hard time following when others speak quickly Struggles to participate in conversations ![]() ![]() Misses important information in class or at home Doesn’t always respond when others are talking Some kids and teens who are hypo-responsive to auditory input may also be “auditory sensory seekers.” Signs of Auditory Hypo-responsivity or Auditory Seeking in Teens Hypo means that a person tends to under-respond to input and hyper means that a person tends to over-respond. We can be hypo-responsive or hyper-responsive to types of sensory input. If something is off with the auditory system, it can impact social interactions, social participation, learning, and many other aspects of day to day functioning. music on radio) and unable to handle other types of input such as vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, or hair dryers. Some kids may be okay with one type of input (i.e. Sensory Issues in Teens: the Auditory Systemĭepending on your teen’s unique sensory profile, different types of auditory input may be alerting, energizing, distracting or disorganizing to his or her nervous system. It allows us to hear, listen and respond appropriately. The auditory system is our sense of hearing. Today, Courtney is taking on the auditory system!ĭoes your teen constantly listen to loud music and seek out noisy environments?ĭoes she appear to miss important details in conversations?ĭoes he not respond to you when you are talking or asking a question?Īll of these behaviors can be related to auditory sensory issues. We’re so happy to have Courtney Dickinson back with us today to continue our series on Sensory Tricks and Tips for Teens and Older Kids.
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