Perception of loudness in children with ADD and without ADD

Twenty-eight children identified with attention deficits and a comparison group of children without ADD were asked to judge the loudness of speech as comfortable (MCL) or tolerable (TL). Results indicated that children with attention deficits required a softer level to make both of these loudness judgements. Children with ADD had statistically significant differences in their choices of comfort levels (MCL = 51 dBHL) and choices of tolerance levels (TL = 95 dBHL) from their peers without ADD (MCL = 59 dBHL, TL = 100 dBHL). These findings are viewed in relation to perceptual differences between children with and without ADD. Additionally, implications for classroom management are discussed.