Living with Hyperacusis
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Harry is a young boy living with a rare hearing condition called hyperacusis, which makes everyday sounds unbearably loud and causes anxiety, discomfort, and pain. Sean, who also has hyperacusis and tinnitus, wrote a book at the age of 8 to help explain his condition to family and friends, and now at 10, he's publishing it to raise awareness and funds for Hyperacusis Research. Sean dreams of one day being able to enjoy noisy activities like driving a supercar or hanging out with friends without the noise causing him pain.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character feels when loud noises occur?
What are some ways the character manages their sensitivity to sound?
Can you think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by your surroundings? How did you handle it?
Why is it important to be understanding and supportive of people who experience the world differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child's feelings by sharing your own experiences with sensitivity to certain environments or stimuli.
Encourage empathy by discussing the importance of acknowledging and respecting everyone's unique challenges.
Use examples from the book to teach problem-solving skills, asking your child how they might adapt different strategies to manage overwhelming situations.
Promote an open dialogue by asking your child to share their thoughts and feelings, ensuring they know it’s safe to express themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The story illustrates the challenges of living with hyperacusis, a heightened sensitivity to sound, through the experiences of the protagonist. This helps children understand the condition from the character's perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by being more considerate and supportive of classmates who may have sensory sensitivities or other conditions.
Example Lesson: Awareness of diversity
Explanation: By showcasing a character with a lesser-known condition like hyperacusis, the book educates children about the various ways people can be different and the importance of inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the diversity in others and recognize that everyone has unique qualities and challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of support systems
Explanation: The story highlights how the support of family, friends, and professionals plays a crucial role in managing the protagonist’s condition.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes the value of seeking and offering support in challenging times, teaching children to reach out for help when needed and to be supportive friends.
Example Lesson: Resilience and coping strategies
Explanation: Through the character's journey, children see examples of coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to develop personal strategies for coping with their own challenges and to persevere despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Advocacy for oneself and others
Explanation: The protagonist learns to advocate for their needs in various settings, such as school.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to speak up for themselves and others, especially in situations where they or their peers need accommodations or understanding.