Sound Therapy for Kids

Sound Healing

The prevalence of stress and anxiety in children is a growing concern in our contemporary, technologically advanced society. Consequently, the search for holistic and non-pharmacological interventions is paramount. Sound healing, an age-old practice utilizing sonic vibrations to induce equilibrium and facilitate therapeutic effects, has emerged as a promising modality, yielding notable positive outcomes in pediatric populations.

The universe is a symphony of vibrations, and sound healing taps into that. By using specific frequencies, it gently realigns the body's energy, helping us find balance and feel better. When life throws us off-kilter, these soothing sounds can bring us back to harmony.

Children, in their own way, carry the weight of anxieties and uncertainties. They possess a keen awareness and sensitivity, navigating a series of developmental milestones and new experiences, like teething or the transition to kindergarten. The demands placed upon them by adults can also contribute to their stress levels.

Can music therapy support infants in the NICU?

Sounds within the NICU

Premature infants, despite advances in NICU care, face significant risks to their physical and neurological development due to the stress of invasive procedures and assessments. These stressors can lead to physiological instability, potentially causing cerebral injury and long-term developmental issues. To mitigate these risks, neuroprotective strategies are vital.

Born too soon, premature infants leave the protective womb for the harsh, overwhelming environment of the NICU. Their underdeveloped systems struggle to cope with the constant barrage of bright lights, loud noises, and invasive touch. These infants endure frequent handling, often multiple times within a few hours, for essential assessments. Each interaction can trigger physiological stress, impacting vital functions. While eliminating all stressors is impossible, managing noise levels has emerged as a key focus for improving the NICU environment.

Sound, a vibration perceived by the auditory system, becomes relevant early in fetal development. By 20 weeks gestation, the structures are formed, including the crucial cochlea with its hair cells. These hair cells, essential for transmitting sound to the brain, are vulnerable to damage from environmental stressors like loud noise and certain medications, especially after the vestibular system becomes functional around 25-29 weeks. Background noise exceeding 60 decibels can significantly impair hair cell sensitivity.

Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommending noise levels below 45 dB to protect infants' hearing in the NICU, the reality is far different. Typical NICU sound levels, often exceeding 50 dB, are exacerbated by medical equipment, alarms, and procedures. Even seemingly innocuous actions like opening incubator sleeves or closing portholes can generate noise levels far above the recommended threshold, putting infants at risk for hearing damage.

The unavoidable high noise levels inherent in premature infant care pose a significant risk to their auditory systems. These sounds, both sudden and excessive, can also disrupt vital physiological functions, leading to instability in heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns. Given that many NICUs already exceed the AAP's recommended noise limit of below 45 dB, the introduction of music therapy might seem paradoxical.

Music Therapy

Music, defined by its harmonious and rhythmic structure, has therapeutic potential. Music therapy achieves specific clinical goals, such as stress reduction. Research indicates its effectiveness in premature infants, improving feeding, reducing hospital stays, and fostering a sense of security. Studies consistently show that both nurses and parents perceive music as a powerful tool to decrease infant stress and improve overall well-being.

A review of PubMed and CINAHL, spanning 1950 to May 2013, aimed to identify research on music therapy's impact on premature infants in the NICU. The search focused on English-language studies measuring infant responses to music during stressful events. Studies involving infants over one year old, non-human subjects, feeding interventions, or multimodal approaches were excluded. Although five studies initially met the criteria, one was ultimately excluded due to unclear methodology, leaving only four studies for review.

Four studies were included in the review. Each study measured physiological changes in premature infants (e.g., heart rate, oxygen levels), and three also assessed behavioral responses to stress. Two studies examined the impact of music therapy during endotracheal suctioning, while two others focused on naturally occurring agitation. The studies are grouped by the stressor used, and the review concludes with recommendations for integrating music therapy into NICU care.

Studies on Music Therapy During Naturally Occurring Agitation:

Collins and Kuck (1991) and Keith, Russel, and Weaver (1991) examined the effects of music on inconsolable or agitated premature infants, without inducing a specific stressor.

Collins and Kuck (1991) found that music significantly improved oxygen saturation and heart rate, and promoted a drowsy or alert state in agitated, intubated infants.

Keith, Russel, and Weaver (1991) showed that lullabies reduced the number and duration of crying episodes, decreased heart and respiratory rates, and increased oxygen saturation in inconsolable infants.

Frequently asked Questions

What are the benefits of sound healing for children?

1. Stress Reduction and Relaxation: The soothing vibrations of instruments like singing bowls create a calming atmosphere, effectively reducing anxiety and promoting restful sleep.

2. Improved Focus and Concentration: By engaging the auditory system, sound healing stimulates neural pathways, enhancing cognitive function and attention span.

3. Emotional Regulation and Expression: Sound-based activities, such as drumming, offer a safe outlet for children to explore and release emotions, fostering emotional balance.

4. Neural Development and Language Enhancement: Exposure to rhythmic sounds and music promotes early neural development, improving auditory processing, speech, and memory skills.

5. Social Connection and Empathy: Group sound healing experiences, like chanting or guided meditations, encourage interaction and build social bonds.

6. Stimulation of Imagination and Creativity: Soundscapes combined with visualizations allow children to tap into their inner worlds, fostering creativity and self-awareness.

And this is just scratching the surface.

Can sound healing help my child with trauma?

Sound meditation provides a powerful tool for mitigating the negative effects of trauma in children. Though beneficial for all, it's particularly effective in restoring a sense of peaceful balance for those carrying the weight of past experiences. The release of pent-up emotions through tears is common during these sessions, indicating the beginning of healing. Offering physical comfort and support is essential as children navigate this transformative process.

How do sound baths work for children?

Kids do not always want to sit still, right? That is why sound baths have to be fun for them! You start by explaining what it is, then let them sing or play instruments. This helps them feel safe and innerstand what is coming next. When it is time to relax, they can close their eyes or watch, whatever feels best. And if they cannot be there in person, they can listen to a sound bath recording to help them calm down after school or fall asleep at night.

How does sound healing work?

Sound healing combines the practitioner's intention with the scientifically recognized principles of resonance, entrainment, and healing vibrations to provide therapeutic benefits, such as improved focus or deep relaxation.

Resonance: Every object possesses a resonant frequency. When stress disrupts our internal frequencies, sound therapy can restore balance by introducing harmonizing vibrations.
Entrainment: This is the phenomenon of rhythmic synchronization. Sound baths use specific sound frequencies to entrain brainwaves to a slower, more relaxed state.
Healing Vibrations: Sound waves are translated into electrical signals within the body, which then influence brain activity. Practitioners utilize targeted vibrations to stimulate brainwave frequencies associated with well-being. By combining these elements with an intention for harmony, sound baths facilitate a process of release and restoration. They essentially clear that which no longer serves us, so that we can feel more balanced. This is supported by research indicating sound therapy's efficacy in reducing anxiety, pain, and improving sleep.

What are some examples of sound therapy for children?

Children can experience the benefits of sound therapy through soothing melodies, the tactile vibrations of instruments like tuning forks, singing bowls, and drums, and the calming rhythm of guided meditation and breathing.

What precautions should parents take when using sound therapy with their children?

It is crucial to seek guidance from a qualified sound therapy professional to ensure the techniques are safe and tailored for your child. Direct supervision during sessions and a comfortable and relaxed environment are essential. For parents exploring natural, non-invasive stress management options, sound therapy offers potential benefits. It can be a valuable aid in promoting better sleep, enhanced focus, and a sense of balance. The gentle and safe nature of sound therapy makes it particularly well-suited for children, helping them navigate various challenges affecting their emotional and cognitive functions.

Always remember: You are your own healer

I believe in the power of present-moment acceptance and self-healing. It is about feeling whole, loving yourself now, and giving yourself what you need. Many of us discover this later in life, but what if we learned it as children?