The 10 Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Autistic Children
Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often encounter challenges in managing loud noises. However, equipping your child with a reliable set of noise-canceling headphones can significantly aid them in effectively handling their sensitivity to noise. In this article we will explore why children on the autism spectrum are sensitive to noise. We will also explore which are the 10 best noise canceling headphones for autistic children.
So let’s dive into this topic.
Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder
Children diagnosed with Autism Syndrome Disorders (ASD) may suffer from Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
SPD is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. This difficulty can result in various challenges for individuals with SPD, especially children on the autism spectrum.
Like many other medical conditions, the symptoms of sensory processing disorder vary along a spectrum.
This means that different individuals may experience different levels of sensitivity to sensory stimuli. For children with autism, this heightened sensitivity can cause even common sounds to be painful or overwhelming.
Children with Autism and Noise
Children with autism who are hypersensitive to noise may experience the following:
- They may hear a conversation that is taking place some distance from them as if the conversation is being directed toward them.
- They may experience loud noises as confusing or even physically painful.
- They won’t be able to ignore light background noise – for example, humming from an AC unit.
- They may be unable to differentiate between important noises and irrelevant ones. This can lead to them being hypervigilant, easily distracted, and anxious.
How noise cancelling headphones can help autistic children
Noise cancelling headphones allow autistic children to focus on their tasks by turning off the invasive noises that surround them. This can significantly benefit them in various settings, especially in classrooms where distractions can hinder their learning and engagement. By effectively filtering out disruptive sounds, these headphones create a conducive environment for improved concentration and academic performance. Additionally, they play a crucial role in protecting autistic children from loud, painful noises that might otherwise cause distress and anxiety.
Beyond enhancing focus and managing noise sensitivity, a comfortable pair of headphones can also contribute to your autistic child’s overall well-being. A good night’s sleep is vital for children’s development and emotional regulation, and the use of headphones can aid in achieving a more restful sleep. By blocking out disruptive sounds during bedtime, these headphones promote a calming atmosphere, facilitating relaxation and ensuring a more peaceful sleep experience for your child.
Aside from simply canceling invasive noises, headphones can serve another important function for your child’s sensory needs. They can also provide therapeutic sounds that have a positive impact on their emotional state and well-being. Many noise-canceling headphones offer the option to play soothing sounds, such as gentle nature sounds or calming melodies, which can be highly beneficial for children with autism. These therapeutic sounds can act as a form of auditory stimulation, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of anxiety or stress.
Buying noise canceling headphones for your child
Now that you know how noise cancelling headphones can help your child with autism, let’s look at some factors to consider before you buy a pair.
Comfort
A good pair of headphones should be comfortable enough to be worn throughout the day. If you are buying the headphones so your child can sleep, you will also have to make sure that they stay on during the night.
You’ll want to pay attention to how the headphones sit on your child’s head because children on the autism spectrum can be very sensitive to the pressure and texture of headphones. Headphones that totally cover the ears are preferred by the majority of children with ASD.
Noise cancelling ability
A good pair of noise cancelling headphones should be able to block enough of the incessant noises bombarding your child’s ears to allow them to concentrate on the work at hand while also reducing the noises that do get through to a manageable level.
Design
Incorporating a design that your child enjoys ensures greater acceptance and willingness to use the headphones regularly. Personalized designs cater to their unique preferences, making the headphones a valuable tool for managing sensory challenges in various settings. Ultimately, these headphones foster a sense of empowerment and comfort, enabling autistic children to participate more fully in their surroundings without feeling overwhelmed or isolated.
One Final Thought:
Autistic children tend to be anxious about change. If your child has a pair of headphones that they like, consider buying a second pair in case they lose the first pair. Trying to transition your child to a new pair of headphones that they are not comfortable with can lead to a battle that you might want to avoid.
Now that you know what factors to look for when purchasing a pair of headphones, here is our list of favorite noise canceling headphones.
The 10 Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Autistic Children
For each headphone found below we have listed the design attributes and included some Amazon reviews from parents of children with autism.
Vic Firth Kidphones
These autism friendly headphones have a 4.7 rating on Amazon. They are very lightweight and comfortable. These headphones provide a noise reduction rating of 22dB. Here are some reviews from parents with autistic children.
GREEN DEVIL Ear muffs
Lightweight and adjustable, the Green Devil headphones are foldable and come with an adjustable headband so they grow along with your child. They have a 4.6 star rating on Amazon and are really comfortable for sensitive ears.
Zohan Snug Headphones
The Zohan Headphones are compact, portable, and easy to store. Additionally they are incredibly durable so they are perfect for children who run around. The cushioned headband and ears are perfect for children with sensory issues and the noise cancellation can really help children with autism block out crowds and other triggers. They have a 4.5 star rating on Amazon.
Vanderfield Headphones
If you are looking to provide provide calmness and focus to your child with autism, then the Vanderfield headphones are for you. They are toxin free and are noise cancelling up to 26dB. They have a 4.6 star rating from Amazon.
Muted Designer Hearing Protection for Infants and Kids
These headphones are adjustable and come with a soft headband and cushioned ear cups. They are perfect for children who need extra hearing protection due to sensory sensitivity. Additionally they are lightweight and collapse to an easy packing size.
Here are some reviews from parents of children with autism.
Banz Headphones for Babies
Banz headphones are colorful, offer long lasting protection, and are extremely comfortable. These headphones are great for children with autism. It comes with comfortable foam pads, sturdy cups, foldability, and stringent specs that help reduce noise. They have a 4.5 customer rating on Amazon.
Onhear Headphones
The Onhear noise cancelling sensory headphones is specially designed for kids ear protection and perfect for children with autism as it will reduce noise to a safe level. The ear cups are quite soft, and feels like touching a soft feather.
The 360 degree adjustability fit children’s ears well to reduce noise leading to a perfect fit without head pain.
PROHEAR Headphones
The PROHEAR headphones come with a Durable ABS shell and the ultra-soft ear cushion design will completely wrap your child’s ears and ensure that your kids are comfortable while wearing it for long time. Additionally, they come with a vivid, flamboyant color that your kids will go crazy over. They have a 4.5 star rating on Amazon.
ProCase Headphones
The ProCase headphones padded headband will reduce the pressure on your head for superior comfort while the generous space inside the ear cups ensure breathability. But don’t be put off by the cup space, the headphones come with a soft imitation leather to provide a tight sound-proof seal. for long time. Additionally, they come with a vivid, flamboyant color that your kids will go crazy over. They have a 4.5 star rating on Amazon.
Alpine Headphones
What makes the Alpine headphones so special? They are created from an ultra soft and light-weight material that is designed for children and have been thoroughly tested and proven to reach an acoustic attenuation from 21 to 28 dB in accordance with US & EU Regulations. They are also internationally recognized as they won the 2021 Red Dot Design Award! These headphones have a 4.6 star rating on Amazon.
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