Sound sensitivity is often a major problem for people with sensory challenges. Many try to use headphones that shut out the world so that they are able to maintain control, concentrate, or focus. Without a doubt, our world has become noisier than it was in prehistoric times, and our ears have much more to process today.
But some argue that noise canceling headphones do more harm than good. How do people on the autism spectrum deal with this? Sensitivity to sound occurs in many people, including but not limited to those with OCD, anxiety disorders, Tourette’s syndrome, brain injury, tinnitus, and/or misophonia (a “hatred or aversion to sound,” characterized by selective sensitivity to specific sounds associated with emotional distress, and even anger, as well as behavioral responses such as avoidance).
What can be done to improve this situation? Why do some people think noise cancelling headphones do more harm than good?
There is a belief that the use of noise cancelling devices increases noise sensitivity. You get used to wearing them, and as soon as you take them off, the noises become even more unbearable. Everything feels louder, stronger, and worse than before. This leads you to become more dependent on the devices and the cycle continues.
On the other hand, noise canceling devices can also be used to build a tolerance for sound! You may not be able to enter a certain place because of the noise, but with noise cancelling devices on, you may be able to enter that environment for a short period of time and build it up slowly. Eventually, maybe even to the point where you don’t need the noise canceling device at all.
Some even feel that it allows people to escape reality too much. This, in turn, can affect social skills and the ability to communicate.
These are all valid points if, as with everything in life, these devices are overused. However, some people really need them in certain situations.
Imagine a child with misophonia sitting in a classroom and unable to learn or focus on a math test because all they hear is someone breathing on the other side of the room. The sound is overwhelmingly loud, painful, and they literally can’t concentrate, it’s all they hear.
Or the mother who has to go to the supermarket but knows that her child can’t cope with the noises, announcements and general hustle and bustle of the store.
Or the employee who can’t finish a report because their office mate taps on the keyboard like nails on a blackboard.
It’s like everything in life, moderation and excess… Tablets aren’t bad, phones aren’t bad… But sitting up all day without talking to anyone is bad…
I see noise canceling devices and the use of hearing protection exactly the same. I wouldn’t advise using them all day, every day… There’s nothing healthy to do all day, every day. I believe that if they are used too much, your body will get used to a reduced noise level… But I think most people have common sense and this should prevail.
They can be a fantastic help in one’s life if used properly. They can help that child in the classroom pass that test. The mom to run errands and the employee to deliver a great report.
So don’t be put off. If you need them, limit the use to that necessity and go for it! Nowadays there is a wide choice, from super cool but equally expensive large headphones and earmuffs to more discreet in-ear plugs.
With hearing protection you also make it visible that you want to isolate yourself for a while. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but for the person who would rather blend in with the crowd than stand out, there are cool, discreet alternatives that reduce the noise but don’t block it out completely.
To conclude, only you know your needs or the needs of your child… If you need headphones to deal with a situation… If it improves your life, but doesn’t shut out the world all day, every day, then you should go for it! No one else has walked in your shoes!