What is our Auditory System and how do we get Auditory Information?
Our auditory system has receptors (or nerves that take information to our brain) in our inner ear, which is why it gives us information about sounds that are heard. Sound is understood by our brain at different frequencies from high frequency or high pitch (woman's voice, airplane) to low pitch sounds (man's voice, vacuum cleaner, garbage truck). Types of sound react differently in our ear and is why some children prefer or avoid noisy environments with lots of talking or certain sounds like hair dryer, toilet flushing, etc.
It is important to note that our auditory and vestibular systems are both in our inner ear and travel up the same nerve to our brain. This type of input is processed mainly unconsciously, and gives us a lot of information about our environment.
What does Vestibular Information do functionally for us?
The auditory system tells us where we are in space in relation to other objects, as our brain reacts to how quickly sound reaches our ears. Like a sonar the sound we speak or sounds we hear bounce of items in a room, giving us an unconscious map of space and how we relate in it.. Sound also gives us an understanding of emotion through intonation or how our voice sounds in a given situation.
How will you know if this is a favorite type of input for your child?
A child that enjoys auditory input is constantly making noise, and this is mainly with their mouth, either talking or making funny noises with their mouth. Kids that avoid auditory input often speak in a very quiet voice and are more reserved. They may have break downs in environments with a lot of sound.
How will you know if this is not a favorite type of input for your child?
A child that does not enjoy vestibular input may avoid bringing their head out of an upright position. They may be sedentary in their play, and may be late crawling (should be initiated by 9-10 months of age – red flag when not attempted by 11 months), cruising (should be initiated by 10 months – red flag if not initiated by 12 months), or walking (should be initiated by 12-14 months – red flag if not initiated by 18 months). Moving or being moved may be distressing for this child. They will be uncomfortable in a swing or on a slide. They may be afraid of heights or not like their feet off the ground.