Auditory Training

Mood Sociability Attention Span Reading, Writing, Math Listening Comprehension Communication Skills Sensory Integration Coordination Memory

Sheri repeated a grade, because she failed the reading portion of the state achievement test. Sheri had an auditory processing disorder, which prevented her from understanding her teacher's verbal instructions. She also had a short attention span. After her auditory program of music-based sound stimulation, Sheri was able to understand her teacher's verbal directions. Her reading skills improved as did her attention span and her grades. Sheri was even on the Honor Roll.

"BJ" had just turned 3, when started his listening training.. He did not talk, he didn't look at people, and he screamed if his mother tried to leave his side - especially at bedtime. "BJ" had autism. His father said he would give anything, if his son would just look him in the eyes. Due to his auditory training at Brain Works, "BJ" now looks at and even laughs with his father. He is also talking well enough to get his needs met. "BJ's" mother can walk away from him with no problem - even at bedtime. In fact, "BJ" asks his mom to close his bedroom door as she leaves!

Over half a century ago, Dr. Alfred Tomatis made the remarkable discovery that listening problems cause many types of learning problems. Dr. Tomatis used his medical knowledge and creativity to develop a method of modifying music which has helped remediate many auditory, learning, social and sensory problems. Since then, people of all ages have used music-based listening training programs to decrease symptoms associated with disabilities such as dyslexia, auditory processing difficulties, ADD/ADHD, autism, language delay, sensory integration disorder and developmental delays. Dr. Tomatis helped untold numbers of people, who had difficulty with the following and more:

Presently, music-based auditory training programs using the principles of Dr. Tomatis are used worldwide. The specially modified music strengthens the auditory system, stimulates the vestibular system, nurtures the growth of pathways in the brain, and revitalizes the emotions. Listening programs stimulate the:

• Auditory system for listening with greater accuracy and focus, tuning out background noise and experiencing less sound sensitivity.
• Vestibular system for better balance, motor coordination and muscle tone.
• Brain for improved sensory integration, eye contact, speech, language, thinking, memory and attention span.
• Emotions for greater motivation, optimism, self-confidence and desire to connect with others.

Tomatis-based programs available through Brain Works include:

• Dynamic Listening System (center-based program - individualized, daily supervision)
• iLs Focus (home/school program - programmed iPod & special headphones, weekly supervision)
• iLs Kick Start (home/school program -programmed iPod, supervision)
• The Listening Program (home/school program - 10 specialized CDs, supervision)
• iLs Expressive Language Kit  (home/school program - microphone, audio equipment and expressive language exercises)

Listening and Communication

Listening lays the foundation for communication. Dr. Alfred Tomatis, French ear surgeon, determined that we first listen to language as we listen to our mother's voice, while we are in the womb. Following birth, we depend upon our ability to listen with focus as others speak, so that we can develop our speech articulation, vocabulary and conversational abilities.

Middle Ear Muscles

During listening training, music is modified in a special way, so that two little muscles in the ear are exercised. The muscles are instructed by the brain to move the position of the hammer and stirrup over and over as they tune in to surprising frequency changes in the music. As the muscles strengthen, listening becomes more focused and background noise is tuned out. Children and adults become more attentive listeners and no longer complain about having trouble listening in a noisy environment.

Auditory Processing

Over time, frequencies are gradually removed and then added to the music during the listening training. This process is called filtering. The auditory system in the brain becomes trained to discriminate among the individual frequencies in the music, which allows the discrimination of speech sounds. Thus, auditory processing (the ability to understand what others are saying) improves.

Sensory Integration

Listening plays a role in brain development and organization. Sound energy encourages new pathways to grow in the brain. These pathways connect the various parts of the brain together such as the centers for vision, movement and balance, touch, taste, listening, speech and emotions. Sensory integration (the senses working together) allows for such skills as eye-hand coordination, spatial orientation, reading, concentration, bowel and bladder control, mood, memory, eye contact, and toleration of touch/sound.

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