2 Year Old Very Sensitive to Noise

my daughter kinda does that. she doesn't always cling, if it's a group of people, or loud people she does cling, and sometimes cry (especially when they're loud, and want to take her...like the in-laws), but when it's a noise that's loud, she jumps and either just gets startled, but runs and hides behind the chair, or clings to the couch, crouches behind something...more of a startle. i was never really worried about it, she's been doing it since she was about 15 months old and still does it. i think it's just a stage, but it could also be nerves (i'm very jumpy, and so is my MIL, so she could be getting is through both sides) there's possibility that it may be a nerves thing...he may just be a jumpy kid, hopefully they will grow out of it, but you could always double check with another dr. on their feelings.

I have a lot of experience with "Sensory Intergration" My son has a pretty extreme case not just with noises but with certain stimulations such as smells, touch (all 5 senses generally) Sometimes noise can be just a phase however I would get a list from your ped on what to watch for. Sensory intergration is very common with Premeies too. My son was 4 weeks early. If you would like to talk more please let me know early intervention is key. So the best advise i can give is to read and familiarize yourself as much as possible.

My child was the same way! We told our pediatrician who recommended an Occupational Therapist who did all sorts of Listening Therapy to help him regulate sounds. He also had other sensitivities (touch, smell...) and now has outgrown all of them (he is 6).

Good Luck

I would take him to an Occupational Therapist for an evaluation. If he does have sensory issues (and he really may not) the earlier it is diagnosed (and treated) the better.

Hi I am a Special Education preschool teacher. I would have your son tested through the Dept of Health for sensory concerns. This will tell you if there is a sensory concern and is so therapy is covered free under the IDEA and he can receive Occupational Therapy to give him coping skills to desensitize sounds.

Good Luck

My son who turned 3 in November is also the same way. Loud noises and environments bother him. He puts his hands over his ears and says Too Loud!!! or will just cling to me. I spoke to my doctor and she said its just a preference that he has and not to worry about it. Easier said than done since it can be annoying. I try to control the noise volume as much as possible, but when put into a situation where I can't like the park I let him stay with me until he is relaxed again or I get into the situation myself and play with him. This seems to calm him down and he is relaxed enough to not notice or at least get used to the noise level and enjoy himself. My son is shy so I have to coax him out of his shyness by reassuring him that I'm not going anywhere and he's safe with me. I thought it would be a phase and he would grow out of it but we're going on 2 yrs with his noise sensitivity. I'm hoping he'll grow out of it but if not I'm here to make sure he can cope.

Hi! I have an 11 year old daughter who, when she was that age, would respond to loud noises VERY adversely. She had extremely sensitive hearing. So sensitive, that she would double over with pain, holding her stomach when she would hear a motorcycle etc. She had some sensory integration issues that was helped by 2 things, Occupational therapy and her own maturation. Once she was more verbal, I could joke with her about those loud noises (the motorcycle is boom-booming, etc) and give her some tools to help her deal with the discomfort she was feeling. I couldn't protect her from sound, all I could do was help her learn how to deal with it. Its become my parenting style ever since. Good luck

My now 12 year old son had the same issues. After alot of testing, it was determined that he had Sensory Integration (SI) Dysfunction. Occupational Therapy with a specialist in SI, makes a great deal of difference.

My reccommendation is not to wait. Get him evaluated soon, SI issues untreated can lead to anxiety and behavioral issues, and when he gets to school age, teachers may confuse it with ADHD.

Good luck.

Hi P.,

I have a son 2 yrs and 9 months who is also very sensitive to sound. I have noticed this for a long time. He is aware of every little sound. Loud noises scare him, he hated the sound of the fan or air conditioner and insisted they be turned off. He did adapt to that thank goodness. Over time I have noticed that he has become more curious than scared unless the noise is quite loud, in which case he is still scared (fireworks, vaccume cleaner, loud noises at a puppet show). Much of the fear has changed to an exhausting level of curiosity. I am currently reading Raising Your Spirited Child, and have recognized my son all over the descriptions of these kids. It is different from kids with sensory integration dysfunction. You should find out more about both, so you can be an advocate if early intervention is necessary, or to avoid a misdiagnosis. You may simple have a spirited/sensitive child on your hands and this is a temperament, not a diagnosis.

Also, here is a nice website with info and support for parents of these children. Within it there are books lists too.

http://www.nurturingourfamilies.com/spirited/index.html

Most of all, don't worry, just learn more so you can understand your little one.

All the best,
C.

My daughter was the same way at 2-3 years old. Everytime there was a loud noise(screaming, talking, other kids, etc...) she would cover her ears. Not cling to me just cover her ears. I just thought it was normal and never asked for advice. Especially when she went to Disney World for the first time at 3 years old any time during a show and/or ride with loud noise she would cover her ears. She is 5 1/2 now and does not do that at all. When we went back to Disney World the following year she was fine with the noise and no ear covering.

Your son may very well have a sensory integration issue. You need to have him assessed. Ask your pediatrician for a recommendation. The sooner you gain an understanding of his issue and how to work with it the better. Don't worry he'll turn out just fine, once you and your husband educate yourselves and learn how to help your son deal with his sensitivities you will all feel much better. Don't wait, the most important time to address these issues is in early childhood, you need to understand what is going on to best help your child. As someone who has worked in the social service field for over 20 years I can assure you that early intervention is critical to your child's continued healthy development later on. Who knows you may find it is a simple issue with a simple solution, but don't let your son suffer needlessly, seek professional advice.
Childhood development specialists want nothing more than to reduce a child's distress and help children deal with and work through their particular issues, the parents understanding, love, patience, and follow-through being critical to the process.
Best Wishes,
N.

Hi P., It is probably not a phase. Listen to your pediatrician, and see how it goes for a week or two. My son has a sensory integration disorder, and if your chlid does too, professional help is available. In the meantime, you can try introducing him to noisy environments by getting him there before everyone else arrives. This way, the noise level increases gradually, and he has time to adjust to it. I found this to be very effective for my son, along with early intervention techniques. Sometimes, you just have to avoid places that he can't tolerate, or remove him for awhile and then try again later. Best of luck to you. Ginnie