Toddler sensitivity to loud noises?

SeaSoul

Loud noises never bothered Cal in the past, but in the last few months he's become more sensitive.  He doesn't like the vacuum cleaner, the blender, or the food processor.  He doesn't freak out, but he does cover his ears and say it's too loud.  However, he still loves construction vehicles, lawn mowers, and airplanes.  Go figure.

This evening we went to hear DH play at an outdoor venue.  He FREAKED OUT as soon as they started playing - bawling and clinging to me, completely inconsolable, and saying "TOO LOUD!"  I was shocked, as he has seen them play lots of times - usually indoors - and often stands directly in front of a speaker (before we intervene).  Never bothered him before.  In fact, we just heard live music on Father's Day and he was standing right in front of the speaker, no problem.  He normally LOVES music.  Oh, also, both of my parents were there, whom he adores (normally will choose them over me), and he wouldn't even look at either of them let alone go to them.  Just clinging to me for dear life.

Then, I remembered how at the beginning of the week when I dropped him off at his babysitter's for the first time since she'd had her baby, he freaked out when her daughter, who was super excited to see Cal, was (happily) screaming in his face.  He ran to me, clung, and bawled.  Totally out of character for him.  Fortunately, he snapped out of it quickly.

I can chalk it up to a phase or a certain sensitivity he's experiencing this week in particular (after all, maybe he was a little apprehensive returning to daycare, and maybe he was uncomfortable in the crowd of people today, especially with it being like 95 degrees).  But then I started to wonder if he has some sort of problem, be it a health/hearing issue, or, *gulp*, some kind of developmental disorder.  Nothing has ever made me think this before, but it crossed my mind today.  He also had a weird incident earlier this week where he woke up around 4, came into bed with us and fell back asleep, then as soon as he woke up for the day he started saying "NO!  NO!  NO!  NO!" repeatedly for a long time.  At first I thought he just needed to snap out of a dream he was having, but then I honestly started to worry that he was one of those kids who is diagnosed as schizophrenic.

I'm usually good at chalking odd behavior up to typical two-year-old stuff.  Maybe my anxiety is just in full force this week...I don't know...but talk me through this.  Tell me what kinds of things your toddler does.  Everything else about Cal is so normal - very bright, capable, independent, extroverted, communicative, engaging, funny, loves being the center of attention.  I'm not sure what to think.

sasa625

DD recently started getting scared whenever our dog barks loudly (so anytime someone comes to the door I'm carrying a crying toddler) I thought it was odd because she has never reacted to the barking in the past (usually sleeping right through it) She has also developed some random fears lately and I think she might be having nightmares... this is definitely the age for it!

That said, I do know that sometimes fluid in the ears/ear infection can cause some sensitivity to sound, so you might want to watch to make sure this isn't the case.

I honestly don't think there is anything else going on with Cal, at least from what you described. If the only issue is the noise sensitivity I would guess it's just a normal toddler phase of some sort or possibly fluid in the ear/infection.

SeaSoul

sasa625:

DD recently started getting scared whenever our dog barks loudly (so anytime someone comes to the door I'm carrying a crying toddler) I thought it was odd because she has never reacted to the barking in the past (usually sleeping right through it) She has also developed some random fears lately and I think she might be having nightmares... this is definitely the age for it!

That said, I do know that sometimes fluid in the ears/ear infection can cause some sensitivity to sound, so you might want to watch to make sure this isn't the case.

I honestly don't think there is anything else going on with Cal, at least from what you described. If the only issue is the noise sensitivity I would guess it's just a normal toddler phase of some sort or possibly fluid in the ear/infection.

Thanks, this helps put it in perspective.  She's about the age Cal was when he became more sensitive to certain sounds.  My mom actually brought up the possibility of an ear infection - he's prone to them and did have a short-lived, low-grade fever Sunday night into Monday (no other symptoms).  However, when we asked if his ears hurt, he said "no...it's just too loud."  Who knows!

Cajun_gal

Dylan is afraid of loud, startling noises. He hates the vacuum, blender, etc. I never thought anything of it. Don't all kids have their own fears? But now you have me worried. Why do you think this could be a disorder?

SeaSoul

Cajun_gal:

Dylan is afraid of loud, startling noises. He hates the vacuum, blender, etc. I never thought anything of it. Don't all kids have their own fears? But now you have me worried. Why do you think this could be a disorder?

It was the severe reaction to DH's band today that worried me.  Coupled with his reaction to his daycare buddy screaming in his face.  The other things (vacuum, etc.) only came to mind after these incidents today.  I didn't think anything of them before now.  But he also doesn't react to them the way he did today - which was just screaming & crying like he was being tortured.

Cajun_gal

SeaSoul:

Cajun_gal:

Dylan is afraid of loud, startling noises. He hates the vacuum, blender, etc. I never thought anything of it. Don't all kids have their own fears? But now you have me worried. Why do you think this could be a disorder?

It was the severe reaction to DH's band today that worried me.  Coupled with his reaction to his daycare buddy screaming in his face.  The other things (vacuum, etc.) only came to mind after these incidents today.  I didn't think anything of them before now.  But he also doesn't react to them the way he did today - which was just screaming & crying like he was being tortured.

I see. Based on your description, I'd think it's a phase with the intense reactions. Either that or very well could be an ear infection like the pp said. I'm hoping it passes quickly.

here4u

Sophie's been covering her ears lately too, or clinging to me like you described too.  If DH's computer is too loud/he's watching tv too loud she covers her ears and says too loud and won't stay in the room.  Same thing if other kids are crying she freaks out.

futureMrs.Eanes

Reagan HATES loud noises...vacuum cleaner, lawn mower, loud planes.  For awhile, we would have to come in the house if she even heard a lawn mower in the neighborhood.  We have been talking about it, explaining the noises won't hurt her, etc. and she is starting to get better about it.  But I still can't run the vacuum unless it is for a few seconds (to clean up a spill for example), and then I have to send her in another room and give her a countdown so she can cover her ears.  Cal is not alone...