Comments on: The Power of Noise-Canceling Headphones for Children with Autism

By: Ruth

Ruth — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:34:58 +0000

I too have several students that use the noise reduction headphones. My struggle has been with getting teachers to understand that the students does not have to wear them from the minute they come into the school until they go home. I encourage them to only offer the option of the headphones if they see the student beginning to have some issues with the volume or type of noises in the area and to encourage the student to remove the headphones when the noises are no longer present. It is a battle sometimes to wean the student down once they get used to having them on all day.

By: Alycia

Alycia — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:22:32 +0000

Hi, I am an OT at a school and frequently recommend noise reducing headphones – such a great and accessible tool! My question is – is there any research or recommendation for wear time? Or is there any downside to allowing the student to wear them as much as they want? Some students in our self contained will wear them all day and I’m unsure if this is okay? This is with the noise reducing not the ANC ones. Thank you for your help!

By: Trisha Mangan

Trisha Mangan — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:40:55 +0000

In reply to Julie Endly. I typically have students take one ear "off" for a few minutes before they take the headphones off completely. This usually allows the student to acclimate back to the environment.

By: Dena Kolosieke

Dena Kolosieke — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:36:40 +0000

I (an OT) use headphones with many of my students in a therapeutic day school specializing in Autism Spectrum. They work well with most, but a few cannot tolerate them, even the light versions (“they’re too heavy” “they squish my head”). I have tried ear plugs but that does not seem as effective. Looking for other suggestions of methods to try. Thanks!

By: Alli

Alli — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 12:14:23 +0000

I usually recommend the ear defenders they make for shooting ranges. They are less expensive, and are as, if not more effective, than the cutesy headphones. I used them when my son was little and they worked really well.

By: Julie Endly

Julie Endly — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:32:53 +0000

Hi Miss Jamie
I have a question for you, I use noise canceling headphones with some students but my fear is when they are removed , the noises are even louder. Could you give me some information on this? I have read ( I can’t remember where that when the student is wearing the headphones their brain is still attempting to hear so once they are removed the noises are so much louder? Thanks for any information you can give me.