Noise-canceling Headphones

Share

Headphones that use active noise control to reduce unwanted ambient sounds, allowing individuals to focus on tasks that require listening without distractions. They achieve this by employing microphones to pick up the ambient sounds around you and then producing sound waves that are the exact opposite (inverted phase) of those sounds. When these opposite sound waves combine, they cancel each other out, effectively reducing the amount of noise heard. This technology is particularly useful in environments with lots of background noise and can significantly improve the listening experience and reduce fatigue.

  • Sensory
    • Environmental
    • Hearing
  • Executive Functioning
    • Self-regulation
    • Study Aid

Low - Mid Tech

Considerations

Take the following considerations into account when selecting and implementing AT to ensure that the chosen tools are well-suited to the student’s needs, align with their goals, and seamlessly integrate into their educational journey. By embracing a collaborative approach and considering the specific skills, tasks, and implementation context, educators can provide students with the necessary support to thrive academically and functionally, promoting inclusivity and fostering their overall success.

Find potential contacts within your LEA and at your ESC for support.

Need Support

Find potential contacts within your LEA and at your ESC for support.

  • Special Education (SpEd) Teacher: A SpEd teacher delivers specially designed instruction (SDI) to students with disabilities. The teacher may serve differing roles, including but not limited to, a co-teacher, provider of direct instruction, and/or provider of indirect services, including consultative services. This teacher is a required member of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee who participates in writing the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP). The teacher contributes to drafting annual goals, developing how student progress will be measured, and determining any needed modifications to the student's general education curriculum and accommodations. The teacher makes recommendations about supplementary aids and services which may include any needed assistive technology (AT) services. The special education teacher may be a member of the LEA assistive technology (AT) team.

What skills or tasks will the student utilize this tool for? What areas, functional or academic, does this tool support?

Noise reduction for improved hearing

In what activities, classes, or environments will the student utilize this tool?

Noise-canceling headphones serve as a valuable tool for students by creating a quieter, more focused, and less distracting learning environment, ultimately supporting their academic success. 

  • Reducing distractions: Students with attention difficulties or sensory sensitivities can use noise-canceling headphones to block out distracting sounds in their environment. 
  • Improving concentration: By minimizing background noise, noise-canceling headphones can help students concentrate better during lectures, studying sessions, or exams. 
  • Enhancing learning environments: In noisy or crowded settings such as libraries, study halls, or classrooms, noise-canceling headphones can create a quieter and more conducive learning environment. 
  • Assisting with online learning: With the increasing prevalence of online learning platforms, noise-canceling headphones can help students block out household or environmental noises while attending virtual classes or participating in online discussions. 
  • Providing comfort: Noise-canceling headphones can also offer physical comfort to students by reducing the discomfort caused by loud or irritating sounds.

Resources and Training

CFR 300.324(a)(2)(v) requires the Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) committee to consider whether a child needs assistive technology devices and services in the development, review, and revision of their IEP. This resource is intended to serve as a repository of the most commonly used AT resources to assist users with understanding the purpose of each AT tool, aspects of use for consideration within IEP development for students, and additional AT implementation resources.

TEA - Texas Education Agency

© Copyright 2024 Texas Education Agency (TEA). All Rights Reserved.