Earmuffs for child with SID

[MightyMom]

I bought a pair of earmuffs today at Home Depot.

DS4 has a lot issues with loud sounds. We went to an arena football game this weekend and he had his hands over his ears the entire time. I think part of his issues are anxiety related.

So... I bought these earmuffs for about $18. They are adult size, but when I adjusted them to the smallest setting they fit him fine. DS is blessed with a very large noggin.

Can you tell me your experience with earmuffs at WDW? Do you think they worked well for your child?

He really doesn't like having things on his head..... but I'm gonna try to get him used to them this summer. (our trip is in Sept)

I thought about purchasing a pair for DS8 who has cerebral palsy and a really sensitive startle reflex. Frankly, I think DS would startle with our without the earmuffs. What are your thoughts on this?

Thanks!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have a niece with an ASD son. A couple of years ago, when he was four, they bought him a pair of "shooter's" earmuffs. These are designed to both reduce the overall noise level but also to really lower "sharp" noises such as gunshots or fireworks.

He is now seven; when they go someplace (especially WDW) they always carry these with them

It took him a while to get used to wearing them, but now he rrealizes when he needs them and is able to let his parents know he needs them. Also, when things are not so intense he will remove them and give them bnack to his parents.

 

[LauraVV]

Something else that my daughter has used is noise canceling head phones. Ear muffs would be too hot for her. The ear phones help when there's a lot of noise around her. She's lost some hearing recently, which has been a blessing because, with her SID and CAPD the noise was almost painful to her at times.

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

earmuffs

Are talking earmuffs or ear protectors like you would use for shooting.. My 12 yr old uses the shooter types and it really helps. He MUST have them at Disney.

 

[MightyMom]

earmuffs

Are talking earmuffs or ear protectors like you would use for shooting.. My 12 yr old uses the shooter types and it really helps. He MUST have them at Disney.

Well... the package says "Ear Muffs" They meet OSHA standards and reduce noise by 20 decibles. I bought them at Home Depot in the safety section... where they sell protective eyewear... gloves.. etc.

I'm guessing they are like the ones for shooting. What is the difference between earmuffs and ear protectors?

Oh wait! it just dawned on me! Ya'll are probably thinking about those things people in the north wear to protect your ears from the cold! Right? Are those called earmuffs too??? Sorry... but I live so far down south we never have winters... .much less a need to protect our ears from the elements! I feel so silly now.

Ear protectors is what I bought! Should I consider buying him ones that hunters would wear? I wonder if they are similar to what I purchased.

Any ideas????

 

[SueM in MN]

Ya'll are probably thinking about those things people in the north wear to protect your ears from the cold! Right? Are those called earmuffs too???

Those ones to keep your ears warm are called earmuffs.

From what I understand, the kind you can buy at Home Depot type stores are more for constant loud noises. Things like machinery. (For WDW, think of shows that have a constant loud soundtrack)
The shooting type ones are made more to block out sudden loud noises (For WDW, think of things like Fireworks, the stunt shows, etc).

Both kinds might work for different types of activities at WDW.

For your child with CP and startle, a lot would depend on what is startling him. If it's the sudden sound of something like the fireworks, they may work. If he is also startling to the light of the fireworks or to sudden movement along with sudden motion of rides, they may not.

 

[MightyMom]

For your child with CP and startle, a lot would depend on what is startling him. If it's the sudden sound of something like the fireworks, they may work. If he is also startling to the light of the fireworks or to sudden movement along with sudden motion of rides, they may not.

I can walk into a room and he startles. There is not just one thing that startles him..... it's everything..... and it's never consistant.

Thanks for the info on the different types of ear protectors. I think the ones I got now will work fine since they are for constant loud sounds. We went to a football game this weekend and he was overwhelmed the entire time. These should work great!

Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the info on the different types of ear protectors.

Glad some of my generally useless knowledge was helpful this time.