Making Sense of Sensory - Week 3: Understanding Auditory Sensitivities 👂

Sound is everywhere. From birdsong and music to alarms and clinking cutlery, the auditory world plays a big part in how we experience life. But for many neurodivergent people, sound doesn’t always feel neutral or manageable.

Some people may experience auditory hypersensitivity: where everyday noises feel painfully loud or intrusive.

Others may experience auditory under-sensitivity: needing louder, more intense sound to notice or enjoy it.

These differences are part of auditory sensory processing, how the brain interprets sound, not how well the ears hear.

Understanding both ends of the spectrum is key to supporting individuals in sensory-safe ways.

Sound Over-Sensitive (Sensory Avoidant) 🔴

Someone who is over-sensitive to sound may find everyday sounds overwhelming, uncomfortable, or even painful.

They might:

• Be easily startled by loud or unexpected noises

• Covers ears in noisy places

• May avoid places like shopping centres, parties, or classrooms

• Finds background noise (like fans or ticking clocks) distracting or upsetting

• Might seem distressed or anxious in group settings

How to support a sound avoider:

• Offer noise-reducing headphones or ear defenders

• Reduce background noise where possible

• Pre-warn before loud sounds (e.g. alarms, blender, hand dryers)

• Create quiet zones at home, school, or events

• Use soft furnishings to dampen noise

  
  

Sound Under-Sensitive (Sensory Seeker) 🔵

Someone who is under-sensitive to sound may crave more input than others and might not even register certain sounds unless they’re very loud.

They might:

• Not react to their name being called

• Enjoys loud music or seeks out noisy environments

• Make loud vocalisations or repetitive sounds (auditory stimming)

• Talk loudly or struggle to notice when others are speaking

  
  

How to support a sound seeker:

• Use clear, animated speech and visual supports

• Try rhythmic music, metronomes, or clapping games

• Offer safe spaces to vocalise or enjoy sound

• Encourage musical instruments or toys with sound feedback

• Repeat instructions calmly and check for understanding

  
  

Why It Matters 💬

Auditory sensory processing is about how the brain makes sense of sound not about hearing ability. When sound becomes overwhelming or is hard to register, it can affect focus, learning, emotional regulation, and connection. For children, sound sensitivity might look like "bad | behaviour" when in reality, they’re struggling with sensory overload or under-stimulation.

By tuning in to how someone experiences sound, we can better meet their needs-creating calmer classrooms, more inclusive events, and safer, more supportive homes.

Remember: Everyone’s sensory profile is unique. What soothes one person might overwhelm another. Listening to individual preferences and providing choice is always a great first step. 💡

Next week, we’ll explore the sense of sight - and explore how visual sensitivities can shape how neurodivergent people experience the world around them.