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Suggest Remedy For Phonophobia In A Child

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Posted on Thu, 24 Dec 2015
Question: I have a question about my 5 years and 5 months old son who is sensitive and freaks out about variety of noise/sound. Like a smoke/house alarm, public toilet flushing continuously, and he is afraid of dark, so he tries to cover his ears whenever he goes or passes to an area that is dark. He is scared of dying. And also scared of fire even when i cook fried foods and the oil splatter, he freaks out with the sound. He is smart...academic wise he is in but he is shy to try something new when it comes to classroom activities. How could we help him overcome all of these.
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Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Fear of noises is quite common in kids - possibilities and suggetions

Detailed Answer:
Hi...Fear of noises is quite common in kids of this age group. The most common cause for this fear is lack of understanding of the source sound. But once this source is established and you explain him in soothing word that the house alarm is harmless and that regarding fire - it is a very useful thing in life when used with caution, he might come out of this fear.

But I do not think this is noise phobia in which the kid might react very violently for the lightest sound.

Regarding shyness this is related to socialization issues and eventually he might grow out of . But I suggest you consult with a clinical psychologist who will talk to the kid and reach the root of the problem as to why is he not age appropriately socializing.

As you say he is academically very good - you need not worry about developmental disorders and neurodegenerative conditions which are associated with hyperaccusis or hypersensitivity to noises.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sumanth Amperayani

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 8339 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Phonophobia In A Child

Brief Answer: Fear of noises is quite common in kids - possibilities and suggetions Detailed Answer: Hi...Fear of noises is quite common in kids of this age group. The most common cause for this fear is lack of understanding of the source sound. But once this source is established and you explain him in soothing word that the house alarm is harmless and that regarding fire - it is a very useful thing in life when used with caution, he might come out of this fear. But I do not think this is noise phobia in which the kid might react very violently for the lightest sound. Regarding shyness this is related to socialization issues and eventually he might grow out of . But I suggest you consult with a clinical psychologist who will talk to the kid and reach the root of the problem as to why is he not age appropriately socializing. As you say he is academically very good - you need not worry about developmental disorders and neurodegenerative conditions which are associated with hyperaccusis or hypersensitivity to noises. Regards - Dr. Sumanth