In addition, the brain can also become overwhelmed by noise which has occurred over a period of time. Or, if the noise is at a certain frequency. Researchers think this part of the brain processes sounds differently in children and adults who are overwhelmed by sounds, noise or audio sensory inputs.Īuditory overload often occurs when there are too many sounds happening at the same time. It also makes us instantly more alert if we hear our head teacher’s or manager’s voice. The sensory traffic controller tunes in to help us locate and identify the sound. This response is a protective mechanism designed to keep you safe.Īn example is when you make jump if you hear an unexpected sound. Sometimes it will trigger an automatic safety response called a ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response. It is also responsible for keeping your body safe. Your sensory traffic controller receives sensory messages, like sound, and directs them to the part of the brain that needs to process them. Auditory overload can cause a ‘fight flight freeze’ response This is sometimes called auditory overload. Or, could become quickly overwhelmed by multiple sounds. They may find it more difficult to ignore sounds. Or, they may hear sounds that others in the same space don’t hear. The child or adult might be more easily surprised or startled by sounds than others. This is because children and adults with sensitivity to sounds usually have a bigger response or reaction to noises than might be expected by someone who does not experience auditory hypersensitivity. Occupational therapists may label auditory sensitivity as an ‘over-responsivity to noise’.

Let’s call this part of the brain the sensory traffic controller. It also has difficulty ignoring background sounds. They think the brain pays more attention to sounds than it needs to. Researchers suggest that the part of the brain that receives and filters noise and sound is working differently. When there is no medical reason to explain the auditory sensitivity, researchers think that the brain is not processing sounds adequately. In this case, it would not be correct to consider the sensitivity as a sensory processing issue. If this is the case, then the child or adult will need to seek further support from relevant medical professionals. It can also occur as a side effect of some medications. Or, there may be a structural problem within the ear itself. Sometimes the hearing sensitivity occurs because of a medical condition (e.g. Auditory sensitivity, or auditory hypersensitivity, to sounds can occur for a number of reasons.

Auditory sensitivity in babies