This system helps with:

• Detecting pitch, loudness, and timbre of a noise or sound
• Recognizing sound location/spatial concepts (backward, near, far)
• Responding to auditory changes: a sound can be alerting or calming
• Developing listening skills, verbal communication, and social skills

Some behaviors we may see due to sensory challenges within the auditory system include:

• Difficulty hearing TV or music at a “normal volume”
• Not being able to hear “loud” volumes 
• Trouble maintaining a back-and-forth conversation/ attending to verbal direction
• Difficulty with sustained attention
• Covers the ear in a noisy environment 
• Makes noise with mouth, toys, hands, feet, etc.
• Easily distracted by noises within their environment

A few activities that can be used to improve the auditory system:

• Listen and Name: Identify things by sound
• Allow access to noise-canceling headphones
• Play games that require listening/joint attention
  • Simon Says
  • Red Light, Green Light
  • Mr. Fox, Mr. Fox, What Time is it?
  • Bop It
• Engage in and forth conversation about the child’s interests 
• Play with
  • Musical instruments
  • Kazoo
  • Whistles
  • Sound Puzzles
• Utilize noise-canceling headphones