Sound attenuation and preferred music in the treatment of problem behavior maintained by escape from noise

Kettering et al. (2018) worked with two clients whose problem behavior was driven by escaping loud noise.

The team gave free, non-stop access to the clients’ favorite songs through noise-canceling headphones.

They never removed the headphones or withheld the music, so no extinction was needed.

Problem behavior dropped quickly for both clients while the music played.

The headphones plus preferred music acted like an “off switch” for noise-triggered escape behavior.

Bacon et al. (1998) showed the same idea—noncontingent escape—cuts disruption in kids with speech delays.

Noel et al. (2016) stretched the method into after-school programs for students with autism and still saw quick drops in disruption.

Dowdy et al. (2020) also avoided extinction, but used differential reinforcement in a pool; both studies prove you can reduce danger without forcing the client to “lose” reinforcement.

If loud settings spark problem behavior, try headphones loaded with the client’s top songs before you plan extinction.

You get fast relief for the client, keep staff safe, and skip the extinction burst.

Test it during the next fire-alarm drill or busy cafeteria period—one playlist, one pair of headphones, data taken every 2 min.