Research shows that about 17-20% of all children with autism will also have hyperacusis.  Common signs include crying in noisy environments, clasping hands over the ears, fear of noise or noisy objects, self-harm when exposed to loud noise, i.e. vacuum cleaners, and reluctance to participate in noisy or loud activities, i.e. watch parades, birthday parties, musical presentations, etc.

Children with autism or autistic-like conditions may fluctuate in their ability to hear or tolerate sounds.  This confuses the diagnosis, which can also be complicated by the potentail difficulty in obtaining subjective data from the child in a sound booth or other measuring system.  Many times, it is subjective observations from parents, teachers, or care givers that is used to support a diagnosis of hyperacusis.

Our clinic is proud to sponsor and support an experimental research project on the use of our Gentle Sound Therapy for children with autism.  We have had a small group of children under treatment since 1999, and believe we can have a positive effect on the lives of the participating children and families.  However, it is also clear that certain children will simply not participate or allow the devices to be in their ears.

To inquire about this project, simply email us.

If accepted, we wll provide, free of charge, bilateral sound therapy units.  Parents must purchase custom earmold pieces for their children.  The ninety day trial period will assess the potential for improvement, and if it doesn't seem to help, the units must be returned.

We waive all program fees for patients in this project but the parents must buy the equipment after the ninety day trial period if they wish to continue the therapy.  At this point, we are finding that about sixty percent of the children who are able to paticipate appear to have improved sound tolerance, based on subjective findings. 

There is a possibility for funded equipment through a foundation if there is a need. 

As a study project, parents and teachers must agree to submit monthly rating forms and complete phone interviews. There is no need to visit the clinic in Oregon: we are able to utilize local audiologists to help in many places.

This project will have a space limitation, initially, and parents may be placed on a waiting list to obtain  spot for entering the project, if needed.

After 100 children have completed the initial trial period, we hope to compile the data and present a reseach article for publication.

Any information should be directed to us using the Contact Us button below.