Indications of severe auditory difficulties
(which are often particularly noticeable in the young or when they first begin to occur).
May initially be considered deaf.
Seems to ignores sounds/speech BUT may hear and recognize the rustle of sweet-papers etc.
Speech difficulties -
speech does not develop (but is not deaf);
development is slow;
echolalia
speaks clearly but only occasionally; consistently mispronounces some words; speaks in a monotone; develops speech which then deteriorates either gradually or suddenly.
If given two instructions is only able to carry out one task or does neither.
Dislikes some noises and demonstrates this by:-
putting hands over/in ears; moving away; getting upset or distressed;
going into ‘a world of his/her own’
A very light sleeper - wakes easily.
Frightened of some animals - especially household pets.
Seems to hear noises which other people might not be aware of eg the hum of fluorescent lights, people breathing etc.
Can often correctly identify distant noises (before others hear them) or can overhear distant conversations eg both sides of a telephone conversation
Dislike bathing, haircut's, shaving, teethcleaning etc. because of the noise of the water, scissors, razor etc.
Dislikes the sound of a toilet flushing.
Finds mealtimes difficult as dislikes the sound of people eating
Dislikes shops, crowded situations, shopping, rainstorms, wind, seaside etc.
Learns/concentrates better in quiet surroundings.
Enjoys/seeks music or loud rhythmic noises i.e. washing machines, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers.
Enjoys being in control of noisy objects - eg likes playing with running water, flushes the toilet etc.
Talks constantly/loudly.
Likes/does things that make a noise; squeaking toys, tearing paper, banging doors etc.