Children with autism spectrum disorder struggle with a lot of things. As a parent of an autistic child, you've probably noticed that your little one often struggles with loud noises. The world is noisy, and even a tiny sound like the droning of the fridge can be overwhelming for an autistic child. While neurotypical people don't even notice a car passing by, a child with autism spectrum can find it distressing.
As a parent, it's hard to see your child struggling; all you want to do is help him. In addition, it's hard to control the ambient noise or sudden sounds that can happen in school, in public, and at home.
An excellent solution to sound sensitivity and sensory processing disorder is to block out all noise. Noise-canceling headphones are the tool you need to improve your child's quality of life. Choosing the right headphones doesn't have to be complicated.
This article will show you the best noise-canceling headphones you need for your autistic child.
Sound Sensitivity in Children with Autism
Sound sensitivity is a common symptom of autism. It means that loud, high frequency or background sounds can trigger a meltdown in children with autism or sensory processing disorders.
People diagnosed with autism process information differently than neurotypical people. Some children have extreme reactions to noises or abrupt physical sensations due to their hypersensitivity to environmental stimulation.
Autistic kids who are hypersensitive to sound can:
- Experience background noise as a constant distraction
- Experience a soft conversation at some distance as if it’s directed toward them
- Experience abrupt and loud noises as physically painful
- Being unable to figure out which noises are irrelevant and which are essential; this can make the child hypervigilant, anxious, or easily distracted
All of the sounds in combination with the environment can lead to sensory overload. It's too much information to process for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Furthermore, autistic people may hear sounds sooner than neurotypical people, adding to their startle response.
Signs of Sound Sensitivity
Noise can trigger anxiety or panic in children with sound sensitivity. In some cases, sensory overload is triggered by a hearing problem or a side effect of medication; you should explore all possible causes to find the best solution.
Here are some signs that your child is experiencing sound sensitivity:
- Complain about sound
- Become agitated by high-pitched sounds or low and droning sounds
- Are easily distracted in noisy environments
- Cover their ears
- Avoids noisy places or are reluctant to go somewhere
- Point out sounds you are not aware of
Types of Noise Sensitivities
There are different types of noise sensitivities, such as:
Misonophobia
Misonophobia is an emotional reaction to certain sounds, such as rage or anger. The trigger is usually a soft sound, like breathing or chewing food. It can be connected with the people close to the child.
Read: Tips for Managing Anger in Children with Autism.
Phonophobia
Phonophobia (called phonophobia or ligyrophobia) is a persistent fear of either specific or general environmental sounds. As a person suffering from this, you might try to avoid exposing yourself to the scary sounds and might end up housebound.
Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis is an intolerance to everyday environmental noise. It’s often accompanied by tinnitus.
Hypersensitivity at Certain Frequencies
People with autism who suffer from this can handle most sounds at normal levels. However, when the sound's frequency changes, the child can experience a meltdown when they hear a vacuum cleaner running.
Strategies for Easing Sensory Overload
Here are some tips for dealing with noise sensitivity:
- Make your child volunteer at a quiet place, such as a library
- Make a list of safe spaces your little one can visit
- Install carpets to muffle sounds
- Schedule regular quiet breaks
- Have earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
- Use noise-reduction materials to minimize the adverse effects of unwelcome noise
- Expose your child to the challenging sound, so they get used to the noise source
The Benefits of Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones allow your child to focus on the task by turning off all invasive noises from outside. The technology used in these headphones cancels out distractions like quiet conversations in the classroom or minimizes the impact of loud noises that can be frightening.
Noise-canceling headphones can help children with autism:
- Sleep better
- Be able to take a break
- Feel more at ease in noisy places
- Enable them to calm down through relaxing music or therapeutic sounds
- Help them maintain focus
Many autistic people found that noise-canceling headphones are helpful for different situations. The only downside is that it completely blocks sound, so it will be hard to get your child's attention by calling their name.
What to Look For
A good pair of headphones should be able to block enough sound to allow them to focus on the task. The noise should be at a level that can be managed. You should look for the noise reduction rating (NRR) in decibels (dB). The amount of noise reduction depends on your child's sensitivity to noises. Some might need headphones with higher levels of noise reduction than others.
Furthermore, the headphones should be comfortable enough to be worn daily or to bed. Since some children with autism are sensitive to the pressure and texture of headphones, be mindful of how they sit on the child's head, as some prefer to have their ears covered.
Last but not least, children with autism are sensitive to fashion, so look for functional and stylish headphones. You can also look for snug-fit headphones with a padded headband for extra comfort. For example, a padded headband means the headphones will fit your children's heads as they grow.
In essence, here is a list of what you need to consider:
- Sound quality
- In-earbuds
- Wireless headphones
- Noise reduction rating
- Battery life
- Ambient noise
- Sleep headphones
- Over-ear headphones
- Ear plugs
- Comfortability
- Easy access
- Budget (cheap vs. expensive)
- Sensory overload versus sensory seeking
- Age of the child
Types of Headphones
Noise reduction or noise isolation headphones
- Come with or without speakers for listening to music
- Filter out background noise
- You can still hear the outside world
- Good for fireworks, concerts, parties, or sporting events
- Lower the environment’s volume
Ear defenders
- Blocks out most ambient noise
- Does not have speakers
- Fits over and around your child's ears
- Good for homework, reading, classroom
- Helps with focus and concentration
Active noise-canceling headphones (ANC headphones)
- Has speakers so you can listen to podcasts, music, books, therapeutic sounds, etc.
- Blocks all of the noise producing a frequency
- Effectively blocks car and airplane noise
Noise reduction or active noise-canceling earbuds
- Blocks noise just like ANC headphones but are less noticeable and bulky than headphones
Traditional earbuds
- Discreet, less noticeable
- Made with simple technology
- Blocks some ambient noise
The Best Headphones for Autism
Vic Firth Kidphones Isolation Headphones
These headphones are very lightweight and are well-reviewed. They reduce noise by 22 decibels, and while they do not allow headband adjustments, they have sizeable padded ear cups that rotate and a padded headband. This way, you can accommodate various head sizes.
The headphones cancel out background noise and reduce surrounding conversations to a manageable level. However, remember that it's not suitable for highly sensitive children as they do not cancel sufficient noise.
CozyPhones Over the Ear Headbands Headphones
Children with autism have trouble sleeping, so even a small noise can keep them up at night. These headphones can help with that by being comfortable, foldable, and easy to carry. Sleep headphones are perfect for autistic kids because they are harder to break than regular headphones.
These headphones come in cute colors and designs that attract your child's attention and interests. Don't worry; they are washable and have thin speakers limited to 90 dB to protect your child's ears. A bonus is that you can pull the headphones down over the eyes as a sleep mask!
JBL Live 460NC
With this pair of JBL headphones, you will get both superior sound and being in the zone. While it has enhanced bass, you can activate the Adaptive Noise Canceling for focus and Smart Ambient for keeping in touch with the environment.
The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, and has a pillow-soft padded headband. Your child can enjoy up to 50 hours of music and the mic technology allows for perfect stereo calls.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
Over 20 million people love these noise-canceling headphones due to their incredible sound. They reduce ambient noise by up to 90%, and due to the technology, they can cancel a wide range of low and mid-frequency noises.
They have over 40-hour of non-stop playtime in wireless active noise cancellation mode and can extend to 60 hours in standard music mode.
Banz Headphones for Babies
These headphones are designed specifically for newborns to children of 24 months of age. The headphones are colorful and fun and have a noise reduction rating of 31 decibels. The super-soft padding will protect your child's sensitive ears; plus, they are so comfortable your autistic child can wear them to bed.
Lightweight and durable, the headphones are great for music festivals, firework displays, or airports.
Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs
Perfect for any situation, Decibullz is easy and quickly fitted to the exact shape of the child's ears. As a result, they will never hurt your child and never fall out. The earplugs provide superior noise isolation in any scenario, such as traveling, working, or loud concerts, and are safe to use.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
These headphones have hassle-free Bluetooth pairing and personalized settings that let you instantly connect to access future updates. In addition, it has Alexa and Google Assistant, two assistants that let you play music or get information by just using your voice.
They have three levels of world-class noise cancellation for a better listening experience in any ambient.
Lucid Audio Hearmuffs
Reasonably priced, these Lucid Audio over-ear headphones come in various bright colors. They have cushioning, and an adjustable headband with super soft padding fit for children up to age five and toddlers. They are also light enough for children to wear without hurting children.
They might not block all the noise but filter and muffle ambient noise. However, it might be enough for some children to prevent overstimulation and meltdowns. They cut enough sound to help autistic children cope with the outside world.
SkullCandy Venue Active Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones
These headphones are for older children and adults looking for something unique. At $179.99, Skullcandy has stellar reviews. The headphones have a lightweight design with soft memory foam ear cushions that your child will find comfortable. They also have an adjustable headband for a perfect fit.
Due to the Bluetooth feature, the child can move around the house while still connected to their computer. The headphones are stylish, but it's to be noted that the headphones might emphasize bass sounds.
Nuheara IQBuds
If you want to take the concept of active noise cancellation a step further, then these Nuheara buds are a good investment. These earbuds block ambient noise but will also help the listener hear people's voices better due to the sound amplification.
They are harder to lose track of than other earbuds and are water-resistant and sweatproof. Your child can adjust the noise cancellation properties via an app. While they are expensive, the level of tech and sound quality is worth the investment.
Loop Quiet Noise Reduction Ear Plugs
There is a solution for children who don't like headphones or who wear glasses. These earplugs are soft, durable, and made with reusable silicone—and come in four different sizes. This way, you can find the perfect fit for your child's ears.
The earplugs are discreet and modern, coming in several colors with an exciting loop design. They don't look like traditional headphones or earplugs and come with a handy carrying case.
The loop design is helpful for children anxious about traditional earplugs getting stuck into their ears. They can easily pull them out. Furthermore, the plugs provide the highest level of noise reduction, but the company has different levels of earplugs that can reduce noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Noise-Canceling Headphones Be Overused?
Experts will caution against using headphones for noise sensitivity too often. If your child always uses headphones to block a particular sound, it will cause even more distress when they hear the sound without the headphones.
Desensitization training with an occupational therapist will help your child get used to sounds that trigger them and make handling them more manageable.
What Does NRR Mean for Headphones?
The noise reduction rating refers to the level of noise a headphone can block. It's usually measured in decibels. A higher number means a greater degree of noise reduction. Keep in mind that you should always try out the headphones first to see if they fit comfortably or provide an accurate noise reduction level.
Sound Blocking, Noise Reduction, or Noise Canceling Headphones?
In your search, you'll find various options for sensory headphones, such as sound blocking, noise-canceling, and noise reduction. There's a difference between them, so let's explore these differences.
Sound blocking or noise-canceling means the same thing: they eliminate some auditory information in the environment. While they might seem a good option for your sound-sensitive child, they might not be the safe choice. The autistic child won't be able to hear important information, such as his name being called or the honk of a car.
Meanwhile, noise reduction headphones reduce the amount of decibels that the ears process, but not sound altogether. This way, autistic children participate in loud environments but are not overstimulated by the sounds around them.
You can use noise reduction headphones in:
- Shopping malls
- Movie theaters
- School cafeteria and bus
- Concerts
- Restaurants
- Grocery stores