Everyday life is filled with ambient noise, as in our classrooms, there may be noises from the fans, traffic, children talking, playing, machinery, music. For some children, who have sensory differences, the ambient noise can be a distraction and can be overwhelming. At Third Eye Center, a nurturing environment allows a child to be comfortable even while participating in activities and learning skills of daily life.
What Is Ambient Noise? How to Avoid?
Ambient noise is the noise present all around us that we are not actively paying attention to.
Common examples include:
- Fan/air-conditioner noise
- Traffic noise
- People talking
- Classroom conversations
- Sounds of electronic devices
- Construction sounds
- Music playing in the background
- Household appliances
- Outdoor sounds
While it may seem that these sounds are perfectly normal to the adult reader, the sounds may elicit various responses from the child.
How Ambient Noise Can Affect Children
Children vary in their sensitivities to sound, some children are able to ignore their environment and not become distracted by it no matter how loud it may be.
Ambient noise may sometimes make it harder for a child to:
- Focus on an activity.
- Follow the directions provided.
- Begin a dialogue.
- Stay engaged.
- Follow conversations.
A noisy environment may not have the same impact on each child. The child’s response may depend on the nature, loudness, duration and predictability of the sound.
Ambient Noise and Sensory Experiences
Certain children may feel sounds more strongly. A hectic environment with many sounds happening at the same time can be difficult.
For example, a child may be trying to complete a learning activity while hearing:
- Children speaking, chimes ringing, and something else.
- A fan at class.
- The door opening and closing.
- Traffic outside.
- Electronic devices making sounds.
If a number of sounds happen at the same time, the child may find it hard to attend to the activity.
Creating a Comfortable Environment at Third Eye Center
Having a supportive environment can help make a learning and therapy activity more comfortable to participate in.
Some simple strategies may include:
- Reducing excessive noise.
- Organising activity areas.
- Providing a quiet area when necessary.
- Providing explicit instructions.
- Minimising abrupt or surprising sounds.
- Extending time for the children to settle into new environments.
- Watching what individual children will do in response to various noises.
Why Understanding Individual Needs Matters More
Not all children have the same needs: things which are comfortable for one child are therefore distracting or uncomfortable for another.
Parents and professionals can observe:
- What are the sounds that captivate the child’s attention?
- What are the sounds that are irritating?
- Whether they shield themselves from noisy situations.
- Differences between concentration in different settings.
- The child’s reaction to sudden loud noises.
- The effect of quiet environments leading to greater participation.
These can also be used by adults, such as teachers, to identify which senses a child responds to.
Activities That Can Support Children
Adults working with children in various locations may consider the surrounding sound level:
Useful approaches may include:
1. Quiet Learning Activities
Reading, completing puzzles, working with the computer, drawing, and other structured work tasks can often be achieved more easily in a calm environment.
2. Communication Activities
Lessening background noise in a classroom environment allows children to listen, respond and communicate more easily.
3. Movement Activities
A few children may also be responsive to moderate levels of background noise and enjoy movement activities.
Tips for Parents
- Minimise your TV or music in the background (less background noise).
- Please give your directions in a less noisy space.
- Do not let multiple devices play simultaneously.
- Notice which surroundings your child is at ease in.
- Offer the opportunity for quiet time.
- Discuss with teachers and therapists how your child responds to sound.
Minor alterations in the environment may occasionally simplify daily life.
The Importance of a Supportive Environment
Ambient noises are a part of life.Third Eye Center can help children to overcome difficulties by helping them to understand their own potential and disabilities, with respect to diagnosis, communication, sensory considerations and learning styles.
FAQ
1. What is ambient noise?
Ambient noise is the background noise in an environment, like fans, cars, talking, appliances and any other general noises.
2. Are all children affected by ambient noise in the same way?
No. Children do vary in their sensitivity to sound and also their preferences.
3. How can parents reduce the impact of background noise?
Parents can help by screening out unnecessary sounds, keeping things quiet, avoiding multiple sounds or many different ambient sounds at once and watching what environments are most comfortable for their child.
4. How can Third Eye Center support children with sensory needs?
Another way that Third Eye Center can accommodate these individual needs is by providing activities and environments that are more supportive of a child’s communication, learning, and sensory needs.
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Blog Created by: V. Ayyappa
Content Reviewed by: RYH Content Team
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Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical, therapeutic, or developmental advice.