Sensory
LINKS
Useful Equipment for the Auditory System
Music can be calming wile also providing auditory stimulation. Listening to music enables auditory processing as our hearing can be stimulated by pitch, tone and rhythmic combinations of tunes while also assisting individuals to vent their emotions and cope with stress (Hall & Case-Smith, 2007).
Picking different types of music will help to set the environment you are trying to achieve in the sensory room. Generally, music that is slower paced with predictable rhythms are known for evoking soothing and calming emotions while faster paced and upbeat music evokes alertness, movement and action. Whatever type of music you pick to play in the sensory room will be determined by you and what you believe your students needs (Whether you want them to be more alert or more calm).
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Noise Cancelling Headphones:
Noise cancelling headphones are useful in minimizing or blocking out background noise or other auditory input. Students who are hypersensitive, or 'over-responsive' to auditory input will find these headphones helpful to reduce any possible anxiety, pain or discomfort caused by auditory input. By minimizing noise to a more manageable level, students will then have the ability to relax and gain focus and concentration on other things. Some students may not find the sensory room calming if the room is particularly loud and noisy. These headphones can be worn by those students that are particularly sensitive to auditory input so that they may be able to engage with different equipment and actives in the sensory room in a relaxed state.
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Chimes and Sound Buttons on tactile boards
The wind chimes and the sound buttons on the tactile boards provide the student the opportunity to control auditory stimuli. The wind chimes provide a soothing and calming noise while sound buttons produce wild and funny sounds. Students can pick whichever auditory input they would like to achieve by manipulating the objects.
Music Player:
(“Logitech Z213 Multimedia 2.1 Speakers”, Kmart.com.au)
(“Peltor Junior Earmuff, Pinterest.com.uk)