Advertisement
Toddler behaviour

Sensitivity to loud noise

Your toddler may have a lower tolerance for sensory stimulation

By Linda Bream, psychologist
Sensitivity to loud noise

Photo by NiDerLander/iStockphoto.com

Q: I was talking to a friend who has a loud voice and my 16-month-old daughter jumped a few times. Sudden laughter also startles her. Does this mean she’s anxious?

A: Not necessarily. It sounds like she might have a temperamental sensitivity to loud noise. Our temperament is made up of hard-wired characteristics that influence how we react to things. Some children startle more easily than others because they have a lower tolerance for sensory stimulation, such as light, noise or touch. Sensory sensitivity on its own does not mean your daughter is anxious, but it is one of the traits that can underlie anxiety. Help her understand why things startle her and teach her ways to cope: Warn her when loud noises are about to occur and coach her to calm her mind and body.

This article was originally published on Mar 28, 2012

Weekly Newsletter

Keep up with your baby's development, get the latest parenting content and receive special offers from our partners

I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement
Advertisement