Best noise cancelling headphones for autism

Hearing protection

by Adejumoke Ilori |
Updated on

Ear defenders are ideal for children with autism and those who are sensitive to noise and specific sounds. Some examples of sounds that can trigger those with sensory concerns are vacuums, hair dryers, the sound of sirens such as police or ambulances, crying babies and loud music, making ear protectors great for blocking out the echoes of different sounds, or when your child is feeling uncomfortable.

According to the NHS: “Being autistic means your brain works in a different way from other people, so some people need support to help them with certain things. Many autistic children use a set of behaviours to help them manage their emotions and make sense of their environment. Sometimes they're done for enjoyment. Some things that can be linked to these behaviours include being over- or under-sensitive to external stimuli.”

Best at a glance:

  • The best overall noise cancelling headphones for Autism: Snug Kids Ear Defenders, buy on Amazon

  • The best noise cancelling headphones for rotating pads: RIIKUNTEK Kids Ear Defender, buy on Amazon

  • The best noise cancelling headphones for price: Alpine Muffy Kidy Ear Defender, buy on Boots

The National Autistic Society adds: “Autistic people may experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light, colours, temperatures, or pain. For example, they may find certain background sounds like music in a restaurant, which other people ignore or block out, unbearably loud or distracting. This can cause anxiety or even physical pain.”

If your child uses or may benefit from using ear defenders to help them manage new or noisy environments, we've chosen the best noise cancelling headphones for children.

Best noise cancelling headphones with adjustable headband

ear defenders
Price: $29.99

Designed for kids, these premium ear defenders have been made with soft materials, and are super easy to clean, and extremely comfortable to wear. With its adjustable headband, to help give your child a snug fit around their ear, it also comes with a free travel bag to make taking them with you on the go much easier. 

One review said: "I bought 2 of the pink pair for my 6-year-old. She has one at home and one at school. They fit fab and will last as she grows as they fit me also. She has a few different ones, and these are comfortable and do the job. They look just like normal headphones which she loves as she has become a little self-conscious of the regular blue type ones she has. My daughter loves them and is happy with them. She can still hear me when I talk to her, but it helps her with the background noise and keeps her calm in busy places.”

Pros

  • Included travel bag keeps the headphones clean and safe during travels 
  • Proven to reach an acoustic attenuation of up to 21 dB 

Cons

  • Only 6 colours to choose from (blue, pink, formula 1, green, mint, yellow)

Best noise cancelling headphones for portability

vanderfields ear defenders
Price: $16.49

The soft headband design and ear muffs grants more space around your little one’s ears, so they don't feel tight, while still blocking out loud sounds and protecting their hearing. These toddler ear defenders are built for kids adventures and will end up being the perfect companion for any road trip. With its high-quality impact-resistant ABS cups, sturdy metal frame and springy headband, these have been made to make your child feel comfortable. 

One review said: "My little boy is almost 3 and we bought these ahead of firework night. He loves them! Often complained of noisy environments (hoover, hair/hand dryer etc) and these make it easier. He wants to wear them all the time. Great value for money, perfect for littles! Folds right up, small enough for a changing bag. Seems comfy and they work well. 5 stars - would buy again."

Pros

  • Perfect adventure buddy for your kids to explore the world without fear and worry
  • Provide 26dB SNR (20dB NRR) protection that reduces loud noises to a comfortable and safe level 
  • Lots of pattern and colour options available

Cons

  • Some reviews found them tricky to adjust

Best noise cancelling headphones with detachable ear cushions

These very artistic and multicoloured ear defenders are perfect for kids who have sound sensitivities to everyday sounds. The hearing protector assists in fading out loud noise so your little one will not miss out on days out anymore. Available in a range of colours and patterns to suit your child’s taste, they'll love picking their favourite design.

One review said: "These are great, we take them with us everywhere. They fold up small and can be put on quickly when needed. We've used them for our 3yr old for muffling the sound of hand dryers, fireworks, tractor shows, lawnmowers, and vacuum cleaners. They don't cut out all sound so the child can still hear what you're saying, but they do muffle it and make sounds less harsh and more bearable. Our son has a lot more confidence going out knowing that he has these to hand if he needs them."

Pros

  • Prohear 032 ear defenders reduce harmful noise to a safe level
  • Visible orange headband and graffiti pattern

Cons

  • Patterns on earmuffs may vary slightly

Best noise cancelling headphones for toddlers

runteck ear defenders
Price: $15.99

 
These cool dinosaur ear defenders are suitable for children and teenagers between the ages of 3-16. And, to make your child feel at ease, the height of the ear pads can be adjusted on both sides to fit your little one’s head size, with both pads rotating at 360° flexibly to fit the ear. 

One review said: "These little ear defenders are adorable with their cute dinosaur design. Well-made and great quality with a comfortable fit for my almost two-year-old. These will be great for the next hockey season as ice hockey can get super loud in the ice-rink arena. Now he can watch the game without the loud noises. They will also be great for firework night to protect little ears. We have already used these as my son fears the blender, as it's so loud, I popped these on his head, and he calmed right down! No problems keeping them on his head either. All toddlers should get a pair! 5 star product."

Pros

  • The left and right safety earmuffs can be extended by 3cm
  • Suitable for children of different ages.

Cons

  • Some reviews found them too tight

Best noise cancelling headphones for range of colours

banz ear defenders

Rrp: $34.56

Price: $30.00

These trendy earmuffs look amazing and most importantly their category 4 rating will guard your child’s hearing from possibly harmful sounds. Super easy to put on and comfortable to wear, these ear defenders also come in different colours and prints to suit every child’s individual style. 

One review said: "My son can have problems with loud noises, so I bought these to take to Disneyland. He wears them happily when he knows there will be a loud noise (fireworks) so they must be comfortable, they seem like they will last a long time and although they say up to 3, I do think they will last quite a bit longer! They nearly fit over my ears. They clearly block out noise because if he takes them off during a loud noise, he asks for them back on. We liked the offer of colours, and he was happy he could choose."

Pros

  • The ear cups slide up and down on the headband in order for the earmuffs to fit a child up to 3 years of age
  • Soft cushioned ear cups

Cons

  • Some reviews found them too small

Best noise cancelling headphones for comfort

snug ear defenders
Price: $17.99

These Snug earmuffs have been created to be comfortable to wear, even for longer periods like school days. Both ear pillows have plush padding to sit snuggly against the ears. Their lightweight design means your little one won’t even remember they’re wearing them. 

One review said: "“Both of my grandkids are autistic, but the younger one more so. They both love these, and the younger grandchild’s anxiety whilst shopping due to noise levels, is now quite comfortable and relaxed when out shopping and wearing these.”

Pros

  • Slim shell design keeps the earmuffs safely out of the way
  • Strong pieces make it stable and strong

Cons

  • ‎One size

Best noise cancelling headphones for loud events

If there's a special event coming up where you know there's bound to be noise, perhaps fireworks, loud music or lots of people, these Hilka ear defenders are ideal. This product is not only lightweight and adjustable, but it blocks out loud noises, to stop your little one from feeling agitated. 

One review said: "We bought these ear defenders for our 5 year old daughter as we were attending a large fireworks event. She wore them throughout in comfort and is no longer afraid of fireworks! Very noise cancelling!"

Pros

  • Foam-filled ear cushions
  • Designed specifically for children up to age 7

Cons

  • Limited adjustability

Best noise cancelling headphones for babies

ear defners for babies

Rrp: $39.99

Price: $29.99

Brash echoes can be quite unsafe for babies, but with Alpine's Muffy Baby, this has been designed for your child's cosiness and protection. The flexible non-slip band and warm ear cups are easy to wash and maintain too, as the materials used are also non-toxic, making it safe for your baby.  

One review said: "I purchased and used these recently for a carnival and intend to try using them again for firework night. This product is great, when my baby was asleep, she was more than happy to have them on but as soon as she woke, she refused to wear them - I’m sure it’s down to her age and not being used to them. I think if she was a little older, she would tolerate them more. Such a shame, as I have no doubt they work well after friends recommended them. Compact, lightweight, easy to adjust and once in position do not move."

Pros

  • Ear caps are made with multiple layers of noise reducing foam and soft padding for good closure
  • Fit on babies smoothly, without adding any pressure.

Cons

  • A little fiddly when trying to adjust

Best noise cancelling headphones for everyday use

A unique ear protector especially made for the tender ears of small children. These can be used in several noisy areas, such as get-togethers, parades, firework displays, festive periods, concerts, birthday parties. They are also great for assisting with concentration during learning and reading time at school or during playtime.

Pros

  • Adjustable headband with soft lining
  • Offers a high noise reduction value (SNR) of 25 dB

Cons

  • Only suitable for Children age 5+

Best noise cancelling headphones for unicorn fans

 
These cute ear defenders are designed with a gorgeous unicorn horn on the headband, and perfect for girls and boys across a range of ages. Modifiable and easy to fold, these lightweight and soft ear defenders are portable and easy to carry to any event. 

One review said: "Bought these ear defenders for my 6-year-old daughter who has an ASD diagnosis. She has a sensitivity to noises and we’re going on a plane holiday for the first time in a few days, she uses noise cancelling headphones usually however been advised she can’t use these on the plane for taking off and landing. She sat with me and chose these, and when they arrived, she said they looked ‘perfect’. She is also sensitive to textures, and she likes the cushions, so this is good. They are a little stiff to use, and she likes me to put them on for her and adjust to the right fit for her but once I’ve done this, she loves wearing them. She has worn them in our home so far to get used to them, and she said she can’t hear the TV and can’t hear me talking to her very well so they clearly do the job they’re meant to do. She’s now very excited to try them out on the plane."

Pros

  • Suitable for 3-18 year olds
  • Made from ABS and steel

Cons

  • Bit stiff to adjust

Best noise cancelling headphones for dinosaur fans

With its folding design, these creative noise cancelling ear defenders fit around the ears perfectly and help reduce loud noises. Its compact size allows your little one to carry it around making it suitable for travel. 

One review said: "My son has always used ear defenders when we are out, shopping especially, can be loud and overwhelming for him. His previous pair broke and when I saw these for a slightly higher price, I knew I had to get them. He loves dinosaurs and even the packaging made him smile! Everywhere we go people comment on this amazing dinosaur ear defenders which seems to have given him so much confidence. The only thing that I can say to improve is they aren't as easy to get on himself as they are tricky to get open and on correctly."

Pros

  • Soft and breathable cushioned earpad
  • One size fits all

Cons

  • Can be tricky to open from the folded position

Best noise cancelling headphones for football fans

football eear defenders
Price: $18.99

Your child can enjoy their favourite sports safely with the whole family. These headphones offer good protection for sensitive ears, at medium noise level. They also include a free carry bag to stop the headphones from getting lost so your child can have them with them at all times to help with their everyday life and activities. 

One review said: "My son was showing a lot of sensitivity to loud noises, and places. After we got these, he's been a lot more comfortable being around the noise and busy environment of most places. Wish we had got them for him sooner. I do wish they were a bit more soundproof, but still worth the price."

Pros

  • These hearing protectors are friendly to kids that your kids could even adjust, take on and take off by themselves
  • You can choose different Pattern: multi-color, football, panda, letter

Cons

  • Not as soundproof as others in this list

Best padded noise cancelling headphones

procase ear defenders
Price: $14.99

These noise protecting headphones are great for those with sound sensitivities. The padded headband reduces the pressure on your kid’s head for superior comfort while soft ear cushions ensure a snug fit. Retractable stainless steel and 360 rotatable ear cups make them easy to pack away when not in use.

One review said: "Our 13-month-old granddaughter will be here for New Year's eve, and we have fireworks and aerial going off around our home. We also use them at professional baseball and soccer games we go to reduce the crowd noise, they are great."

Pros

  • Compact fold for travel
  • Padded headband and ear cushions ensure comfy fit

Cons

  • One size fits most - not suitable for large head sizes

Best for portability

Loop Earplugs Engage KidsLoop Earplugs

If your child prefers something more discreet, these Engage Kids Loop Earplugs are great. They are available in a variety of different colours and we love that they come in a carry case, so they can take them with them wherever they go.

A reviewer said: "My son has autism and used to wear large, over ear headphones all day at school. It was impacting his ability to connect socially, but he needed that ear protection in order to function in such a loud, busy environment. This school year, he has switched to Loop Kids and Loop Quiet ear plugs at school and I can’t believe what a life-changing swap it has been! They are so discreet, have fun colours, are so much more comfortable for him to wear all day, and for the first time he has been playing with friends at recess. Thank you, Loop!"

Pros

  • Multiple colourways to choose from
  • Comes with ear tips in different sizes

Cons

  • Ear tips may need cleaning regularly

FAQ's

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), usually called autism, is something you’re born with. Autism means the way you picture things and experience the world may be diverse and different to most people. It also means you are also unique in your own special way and may have different assets and experience some difficulties. For example, some autism characteristics, like how you feel, can make it hard to express your emotions in social situations, but may also be particularly educated and loving about topics that make you happy.

How do ear defenders work for Autism?

Ear defenders help children and adults who have sensory processing disorders such as Auditory Processing Disorder, Autism, ADHDor Asperger’s Syndrome to reduce external stimuli and help them process their environment.

By relieving and decreasing loud background noise, headphones help them filter out sensory strain, blurring out distractions and encourage a calm setting, while still allowing your child to hear and perceive the voice of someone speaking to them.

Mummy to a little girl, Adejumoke Ilori is Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. With a BA hon in Creative Writing, she has worked for digital platforms, where she has empowered women from the inside and out, by sharing real life stories based on relationships, loving yourself and mummyhood.

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