Why Do 18 Month Olds Cover Their Ears? Learn About This Common Developmental Stage

Why Do 18 Month Olds Cover Their Ears?

It's common for 18 month old toddlers to suddenly start covering their ears in response to certain sounds. This developmental stage represents an important milestone as children become more aware of their senses and begin responding to sensory input in new ways.

Ear covering in 18 month olds can seem concerning for parents, but it's usually a normal part of development. By understanding the common causes and implementing a few simple strategies, you can help your child through this phase.

Common Causes of Ear Covering

There are a few main reasons an 18 month old may cover their ears:

• Sensitivity to noise - Loud noises like blenders, vacuum cleaners or crowd noises can hurt toddlers' ears and cause them to cover up.
• New awareness of senses - Your child is just becoming aware of how sounds affect them differently. Covering up helps them shut out overstimulating noise.
• Self-soothing technique - The motion of putting their hands over their ears helps to calm and comfort 18 month olds in an unfamiliar or stressful environment with too much sensory input.
• Ear troubles - While less common, ear infections or other ear problems can also make your toddler want to cover their ears.

Is Ear Covering Normal for 18 Month Olds?

Generally, ear covering behavior is developmentally normal and healthy for 18 month old toddlers. Here are signs it's likely a normal stage of sensory development:

• It begins spontaneously around 18 months.
• It happens occasionally but not all the time.
• Your child seems comfortable and content most of the time.
• They respond normally to softer sounds and voices.
• They don't seem to be in any pain when ears are uncovered.

However, if ear covering seems tied to chronic discomfort, happens very frequently, or interferes with your child's hearing, talk to your pediatrician to rule out an ear infection or other issues.

Sensory Development in Toddlers

Your 18 month old is going through a major sensory milestone. Here's what's happening in their rapidly developing brain and senses:

• Myelination speeds up in the auditory cortex, improving sound processing and perception.
• Connections between sound receptors in the ear and auditory processing centers mature, increasing sensitivity.
• The brain starts filtering and inhibiting irrelevant sensory input to avoid overstimulation.
• Primitive reflexes that protect hearing fade as intentional ear covering behavior emerges.

This integration of physical, sensory and cognitive changes leads to new behaviors like covering ears. What may seem like sensitivity is actually a healthy sign your toddler’s auditory system is developing properly.

Ways to Help Your 18 Month Old Through Ear Covering

While ear covering is generally normal for toddlers, that doesn't mean you have to simply put up with disrupted routines or distress. Here are some supportive strategies to guide your 18 month old through this stage:

• Anticipate loud noises - You can minimize startling sounds by preparing your child before noise starts.
• Provide ear protection - Offer earmuffs designed for toddlers to block noise during unavoidably loud situations.
• Teach communication - Help your child learn to verbalize when noises hurt and to request “quiet” by modeling these skills yourself.
• Offer distractions - Redirect their attention from loud environments with books, toys or snacks.
• Make a calming space - Create a safe, soothing place your child can retreat to when overwhelmed by noise.

With time and support, your 18 month old will adapt to managing sound inputs, and the ear covering behavior will fade. But in the meantime, honoring their sensitivities makes your toddler feel secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I worry if my 18 month old covers their ears?

Generally, you don't need to worry when your 18 month old starts covering their ears. It's usually a normal sign that their auditory system and sensory processing skills are developing. Ear covering often emerges around this age as toddlers become more aware of loud noises that can hurt or startle them. It's best to mention it to your pediatrician but not panic.

What if my toddler covers their ears all the time?

Frequent ear covering could signal hypersensitivity to sound. Look for other signs like distress from normal environment noises or trouble responding when their name is called softly. If ear covering interferes with your child’s functioning, discuss it with your pediatrician. They can check for fluid buildup, infection and rule out hearing loss or neurological issues.

Should I remove my 18 month old’s hands from their ears?

Forcing your toddler to uncover their ears usually increases distress. Allow them to muffle loud noises naturally as an adaptive response. You can provide ear protection like toddler earmuffs to gently discourage constant ear covering if it worries you. But let your 18 month old manage their sensitivities to foster confidence.

What ear protection options work best for 18 month olds?

Look for toddler earmuffs designed specifically for young children instead of adult-sized earmuffs. The best options conform to your child’s head, won’t fall off easily and can be secured under their chin. Child-size noise reduction earmuffs from brands like Peltor, 3M and Hearos are good quality and sized for toddler heads.

When should I take my 18 month old to the doctor for ear covering?

See your pediatrician promptly if ear covering is accompanied by symptoms like ear tugging or rubbing, trouble hearing, loss of balance, fever, fluid leaking from ears or excessive irritability. These signs could indicate an ear infection, fluid buildup or other issues needing medical treatment. Otherwise, mention the new ear covering behavior at your next well-child visit.

The Takeaway

When 18 month olds suddenly start covering their ears, it can be perplexing and concerning for parents. But keep in mind this age represents an important milestone as toddlers respond to sensory information in new ways. While excessive ear covering warrants a doctor visit, occasional covering is generally a normal part of auditory development you can gently guide them through.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.