Sound Reducing Sensory Hoodie
Inspiration Behind the Sound Reducing Sensory Hoodie
Our Sound Reducing Sensory Hoodie was born out of the need for a convenient and effective solution to help kids manage sensory overload in noisy environments. While headphones exist, they come with their own challenges, such as hard plastic and discomfort. Some kids find them tolerable, but others do not. Headphones are often yet another item to carry around, potentially forgotten or lost. Our hoodie offers a subtle and integrated solution, allowing kids to pull up the hood when needed without the fuss of separate headphones. It aims to take the edge off and enable kids to tolerate crowded and noisy situations and prevent sensory meltdowns and overload.
How It Was Designed
The most challenging aspect of the hoodie's design was the hood itself. We incorporated a mass-loaded vinyl around the ears, a material used in industrial settings to block noise. This vinyl adds mass to the hood, helping to reduce higher-frequency noises. While it effectively blocks certain sounds, it still allows children to hear important voices and sounds in their surroundings. We also added a thin layer of filler to the hood to provide extra noise reduction.
The hoodie features a faux elastic drawstring to avoid any choking hazards while still providing a snug fit around the face to enhance noise reduction. Magnetic closures, similar to our sensory-friendly hoodie, make it easy to put on and take off, ensuring comfort and convenience.