Auditory (Definition and Symptoms)

Definition: This sense helps a child detect the pitch, loudness, and timbre of a noise or sound. This sense also allows us to take in sound information, process it, and generate an appropriate response.

Symptoms of Over-Responsiveness:

• as a baby, startles easily, cries with vacuum, hair-dryers, toilet flushing

• dislikes noisy places

• easily distracted and bothered by background noise

• cries, covers ears with loud or unexpected sounds

• asks others to be quiet

Symptoms of Under-Responsiveness:

• may not consistently respond to name (rule out hearing loss)

• prefers TV and music to be loud

• often doesn't notice background noise

• frequently makes own sounds, enjoys silly sounds of others

• says "What?" frequently even though hearing is intact

• may appear oblivious to some sounds, has difficulty locating sound

• may use self-talk to get through a task