Ear Defenders
Children (and adults) with autism or sensory processing disorders often have a hard time in noisy environments. Background noise can be a nuisance and interrupt concentration and focus, and sudden loud noises can cause stress and anxiety for those who are hypersensitive to noise for any reason. Sometimes particular sounds or frequencies can even cause acute pain for those who have hyperacusis.
Listening to music through earplugs can give children control over external noise that they may find problematic. Using noise cancelling headphones, or Ear Defenders, can help children to block out unwanted noise, while still being able to hear normal conversations, and so maintaining concentration in class without excess noise causing anxiety.
Some examples of when Ear Defenders may be helpful during the school day are:
- During singing assembly
- When the fire alarm is tested
- Music lessons
- The lunch hall
- On a school trip, using public transport
- Plays and performances
- Sports day
- To cancel out external noises, such as nearby building works
- And many more examples!
Bannockburn has recently received a hugely beneficial donation of enough ear defenders for one set in each class from Nursery through to Year 6, from the company Ems for Kids who were incredibly helpful in supporting us and providing the ear defenders at no cost to the school. We will be sending home brochures from Ems for Kids (please check your child's book-bag) for you to see their whole product range, as well as discount vouchers if you choose to order items for use at home.
We are delighted to have the Ear Defenders now readily available in each classroom, for any pupil to use at times when they might experience difficulties with noise.
