Son afraid of 'noises' - hoover, drills etc

[lucamom]

Hi

My 3 year old son has always been afraid of the Hoover - when I get it out and switch it on he insists on holding my hands and gets really upset (he used to be hysterical when he was younger). He also hates me using things like blenders, and if he's in the garden and hears a drill in another house, or someone using lawn mower, he asks to come in the house.

I'm not too worried, as it doesn't affect us too much, but I just wanted some reassurance from others who may be experiencing the same thing. Is it normal, something particular to boys, or should I be concerned?

He has recently been referred for a grommits op, as his ears are bunged up, so could it be to do with this? I thought it might be vibrating uncomfortably, but he doesn't mind trains/planes/cars/boats when they're noisy.

Thanks

My DS1 was like tihs

At 6 he still doesn't like loud noises (apart from his own!) but he copes ok

don't worry

my 3yo doesn't like hand driers, hairdryers, hoovers or drills - she will occasionally burst into tears if faced with one of these noises unexpectedly. Other loud noises are ok.

she can be a bit wet sometimes, but otherwise seems pretty normal, and has no other sensory issues.

The fact that he is holding your hand, etc, rather than becoming hysterical still, suggests that he is progressing and working out strategies.

Be very patient - consider buying him toy versions - like a toy Henry/toy hairdryer. This has helped with my son. I am currently trying to find or make a toy handdryer as this is our biggest problem (still, at 4.8).

it's worth mentioning it I expect, but enormous numbers of children do find these particular noises unbearable. It's the fact that he's figuring out ways to cope that matters most.

Is his language ok? If not, I suppose you could just keep your mind open to the possibility ( no more than that) that his audio processing is a little unbalanced (but the bunged up ears are probably the real issue!)- mention it to your doctor/audiologist

My DS was like this - terrified of the hairdryer or hoover, but he did grow out of it (he is now 5). He's still a bit of a scaredy cat generally but I just got a book called the Highly Sensitive Child which has been very helpful for us. If you think your child is sensitive generally, it may be worth getting. HTH.

My DD (3yrs) has a bit of problem with the hoover and has to be at the other end of the house when anyone is hoovering, freaks out if it starts and she's not realised its there. She's also not keen on the hairdryer full blast and puts her hands over her ears. Having said that I have a bit of an issue with the hoover (long silly story, don't ask )and don't ever use it so she's probably never had the chance to really get used to it.

Having said that - my DP hoovers so my house is not a complete grot!!

Mine was the same in fact one of his first words was a very whispery/scared 'motorbike'
as he hated them driving past.

When my DD was born he also hated those handryers in toilets but he grew out of it all, we were just v v reassuring and a lot of hand holding went on as I remember. Ah bless.