Why Toddlers Cover Ears and How to Help - Sensory Tips

Why Toddlers Put Their Hands Over Their Ears and How to Help

It's common for toddlers to frequently put their hands over their ears or say "too loud!" Does your little one clap their hands over their ears when the blender is on or cover them when you vacuum? It's a reflex many toddlers exhibit, but what causes it and how can you help?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the reasons toddlers put their hands over their ears and strategies to support them through this sensory stage. Topics include:

• Causes of ear covering in toddlers
• Signs it may be a sensory processing issue
• Ways to reduce noise sensitivity
• Toddler-friendly noise blocking earmuffs
• Techniques to help conditioned responses
• When to see an occupational therapist

Arm yourself with tips to support your toddler's auditory needs with patience and compassion.

Common Causes of Toddlers Covering Ears

There are several possible reasons a toddler may frequently put their hands over their ears or become upset by noises:

Sensory Processing Differences

Some toddlers are extra sensitive to certain sounds due to differences in how their brain processes sensory input. Noises like vacuum cleaners, blenders, or crowds may be overwhelming.

Noise Sensitivity

Toddlers' ears are still developing, so some noises may be physically uncomfortable. Loud, high-pitched, or unusual sounds can hurt.

Trying to Block Out Stimuli

Covering their ears helps toddlers block out too much sensory input when feeling overwhelmed. It gives them control over their environment.

Conditioned Response

If a loud noise scared them before, putting hands over ears may become a habit to shield from potential threats.

Ear Infection or Illness

An ear infection, cold, or other illness can make toddlers' ears more sensitive to sound temporarily.

Observe if your toddler is exhibiting other signs of hypersensitivity or developmental needs for clues about the cause.

Signs of Sensory Processing Issues

Some additional signs your toddler may have sensory processing differences contributing to sound sensitivity:

• Bothered by tags in clothing or certain fabrics
• Avoids foods with certain textures
• Dislikes having hair washed or brushed
• Doesn't like hands getting messy
• Has an unusually high or low tolerance for pain
• Gets anxious or overwhelmed in crowded, noisy spaces
• Has delayed speech development
• Is troubled by bright lights, some smells

If you notice a combination of these signs, an occupational therapy evaluation may help identify if your toddler needs extra sensory support.

Strategies to Reduce Sound Sensitivity

Try these tips to help make noises less bothersome so your toddler feels less need to cover their ears:

Give Advance Warning

Before you turn on a noisy appliance, let your toddler know. Say "I'm going to use the blender now. It will be loud." This prevents scary surprises.

Offer Ear Protection

Keep earmuffs or headphones on hand they can wear during noisy tasks. Explain how these will make sounds quieter.

Provide a Quiet Space

Set up a relaxing area they can retreat to when overwhelmed, with soft blankets, books, and favorite toys.

Keep Volume Low

Try to avoid making sudden or loud noises around your toddler. Turn down volume on appliances, TV, games.

Play Soothing Music

Put on calming music with headphones to muffle disturbing sounds and help them stay relaxed.

Desensitize Gradually

If a specific noise like vacuum is scary, expose them to it briefly at a distance, then slowly move closer as they get accustomed to it.

Role Model Coping

Show them how you stay calm in noisy environments - taking deep breaths, listening to music, humming. Reinforce these coping strategies.

Toddler-Friendly Noise Blocking Ear Muffs

Wearing sound blocking earmuffs designed for toddlers and kids can help reduce auditory sensitivity. Look for these features when selecting earmuffs for your little one:

• Adjustable headband - For a comfortable, customized fit
• High noise reduction rating - 25-31 dB is ideal for toddlers
• Padding - Cushioned pads prevent pressure on ears
• Fun colors and prints - Makes them more appealing to toddlers
• Compact size - Lightweight and stays on small heads

Introduce earmuffs slowly and let your toddler decorate theirs with stickers to make wearing them more fun. With patient coaching, earmuffs can become a tool that empowers your toddler to control their auditory environment.

Guidelines for Use

Follow these guidelines to safely and effectively use noise blocking earmuffs with your toddler:

• Supervise use to avoid injury or misuse
• Show them how to put on and adjust the earmuffs
• Limit wearing to 30-60 minutes at a time
• Don't use during activities requiring listening and attention
• Take breaks to prevent overheating ears
• Ensure proper fit and positioning over ears

Strategies for Conditioned Responses

If your toddler frequently covers their ears even when there is no noise, it may be a conditioned protective response. Try these techniques to help them tolerate normal sounds without reflexively shielding their ears:

Positive Reinforcement

Praise them when they handle routine sounds without covering ears to reinforce this behavior. "You kept your ears open when I turned on the faucet! High five!"

Counterconditioning

Associate previously scary noises with positive experiences by pairing them with fun activities, new toys, treats, hugs, or praise.

Gradual Exposure

Let them hear initially muted versions of feared sounds, then slowly increase volume as they become less reactive. This builds tolerance in a controlled way.

Coping Cues

Teach them to take calming breaths, squeeze a stress ball, or self-hug when they hear challenging sounds without covering ears. This provides coping instead of avoidance.

When to See an Occupational Therapist

Consult your pediatrician if your toddler's ear-covering behavior persists and interferes with learning or socialization. They may recommend an evaluation with an occupational therapist who specializes in childhood sensory integration issues.

Occupational therapy for auditory sensitivity involves structured exposure activities to desensitize responses and adaptive strategies to address sound processing differences. The therapist will also work closely with you and your toddler's daycare or preschool to create an integrated sensory plan.

Early supportive intervention from an experienced occupational therapist can make a big difference in helping your toddler develop self-regulation skills as their nervous system matures.

Know When to Seek Help

While many toddlers go through a phase of sound sensitivity, contact your pediatrician promptly if your child:

• Covers ears even when there is no noise present
• Screams, cries inconsolably, or panics when hearing certain noises
• Refuses to participate in activities due to noise worries
• Does not respond when name is called due to ear covering
• Has speech or language delays suspected to be related to sound reactivity

These signs may indicate an underlying issue needing medical evaluation and early intervention for the best developmental outcomes.

Stay Patient and Supportive

With compassionate understanding of your toddler's sensory experiences, you can implement strategies to make sounds less overwhelming until their auditory processing develops further. Stay patient - this phase will pass! And remind them you are always available with hugs and support.

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.