Your toddler covers their ears when the vacuum starts. A siren sounds outside, and your child panics. The hand dryer in a restroom triggers a meltdown. The toilet flush sends them running.
Young children hear sounds louder than adults do. They lack experience with common noises. Sudden loud sounds feel like danger to them.
Dr. Daniel Ganjian, pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, notes noise sensitivity is common in children. Watch for other signs like delayed speech or social issues to check for disorders.
Warn your child before a loud noise starts.
Say: "The blender runs loud for 10 seconds. Count to 10 with me."
Preparation cuts surprise.
Example: Parents report fewer meltdowns after 3 days of warnings.
Teach your child to cover their ears.
Practice in quiet times. Show them how.
Say: "Cover your ears if a noise bothers you."
Pack noise-cancelling headphones for car, home, or outings.
Example: One mom keeps mini earmuffs in her purse for restaurant visits.
Give your child control over noises.
Let them push the button on appliances like the vacuum.
Let them say "go" and "stop."
Example: Kids push the mixer button and laugh instead of cry.
Explain sounds to your child.
Show them the source, like a parked fire truck or blender.
Say the noise comes from a tool that does a job.
Example: One parent told her son firefighters use sirens to clear roads for rescues. He shifted from fear to wanting that job.
Expose your child to sounds gradually.
Play low-volume recordings of feared sounds like hair dryers. Raise volume slowly over days.
Pair with fun activities like dancing.
Add 4 to 6 daily decompression sessions. Use a quiet room, deep-pressure massage, soft music for 5 minutes.
Example: Therapists see reduced reactions after 2 weeks of exposure.
Stay calm during loud noises. Your child mirrors you.
Smile and relax.
Say: "The siren means helpers arrive."
Example: Dads who stay chill report kids calming faster after 5 exposures.
Most children outgrow noise sensitivity by age 4. Use these tools now. Your child learns to manage fear and protect their ears.
Sources:
https://www.romper.com/parenting/toddler-afraid-of-loud-sounds
https://blog.lovevery.com/child-development/5-tips-to-help-your-toddler-cope-with-loud-noises
https://yourkidstable.com/child-sensitive-to-noise/
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Calm Toddler Hacks provided by Chilkibo Publishing, helping families find their calm with trusted strategies.
