2022 Volume 54 Issue 1 Pages 39-45
Objective: We consider the effectiveness and the problems of earmuffs (EMs) for hyperacusis in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods: From December 2015 to October 2016, we conducted a questionnaire survey on 13 patients who were attending our medical and rehabilitation center and using EMs. Results: All cases were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and 12 had intellectual disability and one had ADHD. About 70% of the ASD children used EMs daily, and the majority of them used it more than 8 hours a day. Impressions using EMs were positive in 69% of the cases, but in 76%, disadvantages were pointed out. Mental effects such as obsession with EMs and anxiety without EMs were seen in 31%, and complications such as sweat rush and otitis externa were seen in 23%. Both were all using EMs every day. Conclusions: Although the use of EMs is effective in improving the quality of life in children with ASD, in some cases, EMs may be used more frequently and cause complications. When we recommend EMs to children with ASD who have hyperacusis, it is necessary to give advice on proper use of EMs and carefully observe whether they can actually use properly.
