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A person who is hyper-responsive may:
• Be easily distracted or overwhelmed by noise

• Dislike noisy appliances such as printers, air conditioners, or loud chatter
• Notice background sounds that others don't even register
• Frequently ask others to stop talking, singing, or making noise
• Create their own sounds or noises to block out other stimuli

Auditory Hypo-Responsiveness (Under-Responsive to Sound)
A person who is hypo-responsive may:

• Not react to verbal cues or even their own name being called
• Make noises or hum repeatedly for self-stimulation
• Appear to ignore sounds others find obvious or disruptive
• Enjoy or seek out loud environments or loud music

• Need repeated verbal directions to understand or remember tasks

3.2.1 Practical ways to support Auditory Needs

In the fast-paced hospitality industry, it's not always possible to eliminate noise—but thoughtful
adaptations can make a big difference. Managers can support employees with auditory sensitivities by:

Assigning quieter tasks or workstations when possible; such as office-based responsibilities,
inventory checks, or food prep.
Providing visual or written alternatives to verbal instructions; e.g. task lists, checklists, text
reminders.

Allowing the use of earplugs or headphones that reduce background noise.
Scheduling sensory breaks in quiet areas so employees can decompress after high-noise periods.
Minimising unnecessary noise in staff areas; such as loud music or overlapping announcements.

3.3 Visual inclusion

Bright or flickering lights, high-contrast patterns, cluttered workspaces, or rapidly changing visual
input can overwhelm the senses and make it difficult to focus, navigate, or communicate.

Employees experiencing visual sensitivity may:

• Struggle to focus or complete tasks in highly stimulating spaces

• Be more easily distracted by visual movement in their peripheral vision
• Experience fatigue, headaches, or anxiety in certain lighting conditions
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Project Number 2023-1-IT01-KA220-VET-000152721