Noise-Canceling Earmuffs
What are Noise-Canceling Earmuffs?
It has been observed and recorded that many students with FASD have trouble processing sensory information including sound. These students may become over-stimulated or frustrated by the noise level in the classroom. When a student with a sensitivity to noise becomes over-stimulated they will become distracted and unable to concentrate on the task at hand. If you observe that your student is experiencing a hypersensitivity to noise in the classroom, noise-cancelling earmuffs can be worn to block out noise for that student. The noise-cancelling earmuffs work by minimizing auditory stimuli and allowing the student to work in silence.
How to use Noise-Cancelling Earmuffs
Noise-cancelling earmuffs can be used by keeping them in an accessible location for the student to use when they feel that they need them. As teachers we can suggest the student put them on in certain situations that may provoke their hypersensitivity, such as noisy independent work time or during exams, however it is the students decision whether or not they are comfortable wearing them. Since students with and without exceptionalities may enjoy the use of noise-cancelling earmuffs in the classroom, extra pairs can also be placed somewhere in the classroom for all students to use. This would also help with the issue of the student feeling singled out or embarrassed by needing to use them.
Research Supporting Noise-Cancelling Earmuffs:
Sheild, B. M., & Dockrell, J. E. (2008). The effects of environmental and classroom noise on the academic attainments of primary school children. Acoustical Society of America, 123(1), 133-144.
Smith, G. W., & Riccomini, P. J. (2013). The Effect of a Noise Reducing Test Accommodation on Elementary Students with Learning Disabilities. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 28(2), 89-95.
Abele-Webster, L. A., Magill-Evans, J. E., & Pei, J. R. (2012). Sensory Processing and ADHD in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(1), 60-63.
It has been observed and recorded that many students with FASD have trouble processing sensory information including sound. These students may become over-stimulated or frustrated by the noise level in the classroom. When a student with a sensitivity to noise becomes over-stimulated they will become distracted and unable to concentrate on the task at hand. If you observe that your student is experiencing a hypersensitivity to noise in the classroom, noise-cancelling earmuffs can be worn to block out noise for that student. The noise-cancelling earmuffs work by minimizing auditory stimuli and allowing the student to work in silence.
How to use Noise-Cancelling Earmuffs
Noise-cancelling earmuffs can be used by keeping them in an accessible location for the student to use when they feel that they need them. As teachers we can suggest the student put them on in certain situations that may provoke their hypersensitivity, such as noisy independent work time or during exams, however it is the students decision whether or not they are comfortable wearing them. Since students with and without exceptionalities may enjoy the use of noise-cancelling earmuffs in the classroom, extra pairs can also be placed somewhere in the classroom for all students to use. This would also help with the issue of the student feeling singled out or embarrassed by needing to use them.
Research Supporting Noise-Cancelling Earmuffs:
Sheild, B. M., & Dockrell, J. E. (2008). The effects of environmental and classroom noise on the academic attainments of primary school children. Acoustical Society of America, 123(1), 133-144.
Smith, G. W., & Riccomini, P. J. (2013). The Effect of a Noise Reducing Test Accommodation on Elementary Students with Learning Disabilities. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 28(2), 89-95.
Abele-Webster, L. A., Magill-Evans, J. E., & Pei, J. R. (2012). Sensory Processing and ADHD in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(1), 60-63.
