A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association recently reported a 31 percent increase in hearing loss ("Change in Prevalence of Hearing Loss in US Adolescents" Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Sharon Curhan, MD, ScM, Gary Curhan, MD, ScD, Roland Eavey, MD, SM, August 2010). The study compared 12-19 year olds from 2005-2006 with 1988-1994 figures. An estimated 20% of adolescents suffer from hearing loss. Ear pain or hearing loss is being considered as a possible contributing factor in children with autism. Some conjecture that the head banging or head slapping phenomenon that occurs with autism can be attributed to kids covering their ears from pain, or hitting their heads from ear pain. Autism Society of America and AMC Theaters are working together to produce "Sensory Friendly Films" where once a month films are screened with less sound, a format that is friendly to autistic children. Coping with Ear Problems Ways to cope with ear problems include: Going to an Otolaryngologist or ENT doctor to be examined for an ear infection Using natural ear drops Wearing large head phones to cover your ears Wearing ear plugs