My daughter has started covering her ears at least 10 times a day, mostly when we are watching childrens shows on TV and a song will come on. She definitely covers them more when the singing is high, but we don't have the volume loud at all. Is this normal? It seems like she has sensitive ears, but I'm not sure if this is something I should take her to the pediatrician for. I don't know what they could do, but I hate to think of her being bothered by noises. Thanks!
edited to add: thanks so much for all the quick responses. I have a call in to the pediatrician. I am not equipped to rule out ADD/ADHD, but I don't think she has an attention problem because she will sit and "read" her books or play independently for quite a long time. She isn't easily distracted. I don't know what all is involved with a diagnosis though, so will see what the ped says. Her ped said she is advanced verbally - this week she started using four word sentences (before that was using up to three words together) and can count to ten and recognize most letters, which I think is advanced for 19 months. From what I understand, there are often language delays in autism, so I wasn't too concerned with that, but appreciate the suggestion. Thanks again!
Thanks for all the advice and support (and the reminder not to watch too much TV!). I left a message with her pediatrician yesterday about my concerns and a nurse talked with the doctor and called me back. The ped said that it can be a normal phase, but I can come in if I would like. I told them that because Darby isn't acting fearful or in pain, crying, etc. I'll keep an eye on her for a few weeks and see how it goes. In the meantime, I'll monitor the noises more carefully and make note of what seems to bother her. She had her ears checked a month ago at her 18 month check up and her ears were fine at that time.
My son was like that for years especially when he was a toddler. He is in college and very bright. Some have a fine tuned smell and some hear. Also he is an auditory learner. Hears and does it and remembers it! She is fine and better than you think.
If you're concerned I'd get her checked out. However, it's also a stage. Both my daughters went through a phase where they covered their ears. It wasn't accompanied by tears, sad faces or even fear, but rather as an experiment with the changes in sound. Remember at 19 months the world is new! All the things you can do are new and she may have just learned that when something feels a little too loud she can make it quieter with her hands.
If she's crying, getting upset or you're feeling as though something is wrong, for sure take her to a doctor. Trust your gut, that's the best guide.
Hi B., It never ceases to amaze me the advice given. Some is wonderful, some is scary and others...well let's just say everyone has a right to their own opinion.
Yes, kids will cover their ears. Yes, it could mean something and NO it might not.
Watch her for patterns. Is it certain songs? Is it certain shows? Certain singers? Is it certain times of the day?
Please, if you take her to a doctor looking for something wrong, they will usually find it. Be careful what you ask for.
When my oldest was young, she covered her ears all the time. We rarely had the TV on but we often had music from the random CD changer in the background. We would turn down the music hoping that would help, often it didn't so we just turned off the music. Well, one weekend we "dog-sat" for the neighbour and wouldn't you know it, when we put on a CD my daughter covered her ears and the dog started to howl. We played around with it and realized there must be something in the recording of that song/cd. We spent the day going through the CDs and there was a direct correlation with my daughter covering her ears and the dog howling. They must have heard something in the recording that we couldn't. We changed out the CDs that seemed to be affected and all was good at home. When she went to school she did have some difficulty with the noise level in the classrooms but she learned to adapt to it.
My daughter is 14 and I will tell you, she has the most sensitive ear to music. She can pick up any instrument in any song. She is in an elite junior high band and is auditioning for a young adults all city jazz band in the fall.
B., watch for patterns but please don't jump to conclusions.
B.
Family Wellness Coach
I completely agree with your "edited to add" ... your daughter is totally bright and verbally advanced for her age. She reminds me of my daughter when she was your daughter's age (my daughter is now 4 1/2.) I've found/noticed that sometimes kids who are extremely bright are sometimes a little over/super-sensitive to stimulation. I don't think it's anything negative/bad, I think it's just because they are taking so much in! : ) So really, it's a great thing--she is so aware of her surroundings and taking in so much like a little sponge that sometimes it's a little much for her. I think your instincts are right on--I don't think she is giving any warning signs of autism or ADD she is just a super bright little mind. They do tend do outgrow it. (Mine still isn't a big fan of the soccer coach's whistle, but I can assure you she is not considered remotely Autistic or any of the spectrum disorders.) Good luck with your Baby Einstein! : )
I would talk to the dr. about your concerns...She is having sensory issues if she is covering her ears. My daughter does at the vacumn, tv, music, anything that is loud. The doc. can do a lot of things if they find out she might have sensory issues. If she does, you can buy her headphones that are specific for kids with sensory issues. My daughter wears them often for things, even at church because the microphones for the sacrament meetings hurt her ears.. So, just talk to the dr. He might ask some other things too, so try and write down things..
It may be a good idea to check in with the pediatrician. One thing to research is the effect tv has on toddlers. The American Pediatric Assoc. Strongly advises against tv under the age of 2. You could do some research. Tv is a lot of stimulation for a young brain and forms neural connections that are based on over stimulation. Your child is showing you that she has to regulate what is coming into her brain b/c it is too much. How about other sounds? Ask her what it feels like when she covers her ears. Ask her what you can do to help her. Good luck!
She could just have sensitive ears. When I was a kid I could hear things most other people could not. Be prepared to turn down the sound and take ear muffs with you when you take her to a concert or movie theater.
Sensitive hearing isn't necessarily a bad thing. You'll just have to be a little more sensitive to her hearing it will bypass a lot of problems.
wow...my kids use to do the same thing..especially if we went out to the movies or to a birthday party or something. i definitaly did take them to a pediatrician and the result was that my son had add, not adhd, it was add without the h factor (hyper). the doctor told me that when kids have add there senses are about 10x more those of people without ADD. Im still Looking into this so ill keep you posted. Then again to Doctors everybody has add nowadays.
You have received some good responses but I just wanted to share with you my experience with my son. He has never liked loud places.. with people talking...TV's blaring.. loud music... He would cover his ears.. He is now 4 1/2 and still will cover his ears if there are loud noises.. He HATES going to public restrooms that have the automated flush..that sounds like you will be swept up. I have had his hearing tested and it's perfect.. I also agree with over stimulation.. Check with her doctor don't get yourself worrried until you know there is something to be concerned about.
I would take her to the dr.. it could be anything from her having very sensitive ears to she has an ear infection
You should look into this. It sounds like a sensory issue. Also, you should keep a watchful eye on how your daughter is doing in other areas. Like a previous poster mentioned, sound sensitivity could be ADD or ADHD. It can also happen with kids who are autistic, like my daughter. Or it can just be a phase too! If you do ask your pediatrician, he may say nothing is wrong. Trust your instincts! If you feel something is up, then you need to pursue it!
C.
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I think it might just be the age. My 19 month old just started sticking her fingers in her hears all the time (think "I can't hear you" kind of thing). I hope your daughter is okay and I'm a huge one for calling the doc with questions like this, but I think she is okay!
