Knowledge and Awareness of Ear Protection Devices for Sound Sensitivity by Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autor/inn/en	Neave-DiToro, Dorothy; Fuse, Akiko; Bergen, Michael
Titel	Knowledge and Awareness of Ear Protection Devices for Sound Sensitivity by Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Quelle	In: Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 52 (2021) 1, S.409-425 (17 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Neave-DiToro, Dorothy) ORCID (Fuse, Akiko) ORCID (Bergen, Michael)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0161-1461
Schlagwörter	Knowledge Level; Hearing (Physiology); Assistive Technology; Auditory Perception; Auditory Stimuli; Autism; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Speech Language Pathology; Allied Health Personnel; Attitudes + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Wissensbasis; Gehör; Hören; Auditive Wahrnehmung; Akustische Wahrnehmung; Akustik; Auditive Stimulation; Autismus; Attitude; Einstellung; Verhalten
Abstract	Purpose: Sensitivity to sounds and atypical reactions to sensory input by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been reported in the literature. In response to this sensitivity, some individuals use ear protection devices (EPDs) such as noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, or earmuffs to attenuate the perceived unpleasant sounds. Given the communication deficits often noted in this population and the essential role of hearing in speech and language development, the impact of wearing EPDs to attenuate sound needs to be explored. The purpose of this study was to obtain information from various stakeholders regarding their opinions about use of EPDs in individuals with ASD and perceived benefits and possible concerns of EPD use. Method: A survey was constructed to assess the opinions of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, teachers, and graduate students about EPDs among individuals with ASD. A total of 255 professionals and graduate students completed the survey. Results: The vast majority of respondents indicated a level of awareness of EPDs within this population. Regarding observed use of such devices, the majority of participants (66%) reported observing individuals with ASD using EPDs. The most commonly used devices observed were headphones (91%), followed by earmuffs (44%) and earplugs (33%). Respondents who had experience recommending and/or using EPDs with individuals with ASD were asked to report on major reasons why the devices were used and the perceived benefits and possible negative effects. Conclusions: There appears to be uncertainty among various stakeholders of the benefits and possible negative effects of EPD use by individuals with ASD. Additionally, there is a dearth of research in this area, and the necessity for specific guidelines for recommending and monitoring EPD use is indicated. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 301-296-5700; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: lshss@asha.org; Web site: http://lshss.pubs.asha.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01