What Is a Low Sensory Threshold?

Thresholds are used to describe how the nervous system receives input through sense organs, such as the nose, ears and mouth, and transforms them into neural processes through sensation, according to Cliffs Notes. In other words, it's the process of converting physical stimuli into psychological experience. There are various levels of sensory thresholds, including low.

About It

• Those with low sensory thresholds are less tolerant to their surrounding environment, compared to those with high sensory thresholds. For example, someone with a low sensory threshold might be distracted easily by noises because he has a heightened awareness to their environment, which at times could be distracting. On the other hand, those with high sensory thresholds are less bothered by their surroundings, but may be less responsive to emotions and environmental stimuli.

Identifying It

• Those who have low sensory thresholds are more in tune with their environments. This temperament can be observed as early as infancy based on how a baby responds to bright lights and loud noises. If a child becomes startled easily and cries a lot when exposed to changing conditions, it could be a sign of a low sensory threshold. However, if the child doesn't seem startled, adapts to new things and sleeps soundly, it's a sign that it's not bothered by its surroundings, which suggests a high sensory threshold.

Pros

• Because people who have low sensory thresholds are more cognizant of their environments, they are also more in tune with the thoughts and feelings of others, which can help them develop greater emotional connections. Furthermore, since they have a heightened sense of their environment, they're quicker to understand and react to emergency situations, compared to that of high sensory threshold individuals. This could include reacting to things like smoke detectors and emergency sirens to make quicker, more educated decisions.

Cons

• According to GreatSchools.org, those who have low sensory thresholds are highly sensitive to their environments, which, at times, can be a negative characteristic. For example, while they have a heightened awareness to the feelings of others, they can be easily distracted, particularly in a learning environment. They may become overwhelmed by itching clothes, a chair that's too hard, or loud unusual noises, which can, in turn, distract them from their studies. Those with low sensory threshold might also have difficulties adjusting to changes in routines.