Auditory defensiveness, also known as sound sensitivity, is a condition in which an individual has a strong or intense reaction to certain sounds. Children with auditory defensiveness can experience significant discomfort, pain, or distress in response to everyday sounds such as a vacuum cleaner, siren, or thunder. This heightened sensitivity can greatly affect their daily lives and overall well-being.
When addressing auditory defensiveness, occupational therapy often uses a comprehensive approach that combines sensory integration techniques, environmental adjustments, and coping strategies. This approach aims to help children manage their sensory responses, create a more comfortable environment, and develop effective ways of coping.
Occupational therapists can work with individuals to develop sensory integration techniques and strategies to manage auditory defensiveness. These techniques aim to help individuals process and integrate sensory information more effectively, leading to better self-regulation and everyday functioning.
Here are some commonly used sensory integration techniques:
1. Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Input: Applying deep pressure through activities like using weighted vests, blankets, or receiving deep pressure massage can have a calming and organizing effect on the nervous system. Engaging in activities that provide proprioceptive input, such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, or using resistance bands, can also help regulate the sensory system.
2. Vestibular Stimulation: Controlled swinging or spinning activities can stimulate the vestibular system, which plays a crucial role in balance and body awareness including sound discrimination and orientation. This input can help individuals regulate their responses to auditory stimuli.
3. Therapeutic Listening: Therapeutic listening programs, which use specialised sound equipment and music, can be incorporated to improve auditory processing, regulation, and tolerance.
4. Sensory Diet: A sensory diet is an individualised plan that includes sensory activities throughout the day to meet an individual’s sensory needs. Occupational therapists create sensory diets to provide the right balance of sensory input and support self-regulation, including strategies to address auditory defensiveness.
Auditory defensiveness can have a significant impact on an individual’s well-being, but with the right strategies and interventions, its effects can be effectively managed. Environmental adjustments, sensory integration techniques, personalised approaches, and coping strategies are important parts of a comprehensive treatment approach. Working closely with qualified healthcare professionals, individuals with auditory defensiveness can develop the skills and strategies necessary to navigate their sensory challenges and improve their quality of life.
It’s important to note that treatment approaches may vary depending on the severity and underlying causes of auditory defensiveness. It is recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or specialist, such as an occupational therapist, for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
Written by Thomas Ho, Occupational Therapist @ The Children’s Centre