Auditory Processing
& it’s role in functioning in the real world
Susan Sonkin, MS, OTR
October 24th, 2009
A person with issues finds it hard...
to effectively
interact with the
world
to attend
to behaveto
understand
to learn
Sensory Processing is vital in understanding what the world is saying
to us
We have many sensory channels
As an Occupational Therapist my career has focussed on Sensory Channel and how they affect
attention
behavior
learning
I am going to focus on the auditory channel
We all know that we hear through our ears...... but our ears do much more
Your hearing may be perfect...... but your ability to process sounds may be
awful
So you can hear the sounds...... but not understand what they mean
If you cannot understand sounds is is very difficult toacquire language
socialize
attend
behave
interact
It affects your total sense of self!
For Example
Our ears are responsible for understanding where we are in space
Through Auditory Processing we are able to discern whether we are:
uprightslantedupside downstill or moving
Imagine what it would be like to move through your world if this information was distorted
Question: Can we help our ears do a better job?
55 years ago Dr Alfred Tomatis developed an auditory training system for an Opera Singer in Paris
However, he found that this system had many other beneficial effects than just helping to reach certain high notes
Over the years, the considerable research has validated his work and the Tomatis Effect became the “Gold Standard” for auditory processing development
The Tomatis Institute developed a technology based solution designed to deliver the Tomatis Effect...
SoListen Basic Facts
All training is undertaken using specially developed headsets to maximize the Tomatis Effect
Programs of music and chanting selected by your trainer in accordance with your specific needs
Each cycle of training comprises 2 hours of listening a day for 15 days -- a 4 week break -- a second round of listening for 2 hours a day for 15 days
Oftentimes, one starts to experience benefits after two or three days, however benefits and progress may continue for up to 18 months after the training
How does it work?Offers vibrations that help perfect the actions of the hearing & and auditory processing structures of the ear and the brain
Especially exercises the muscle known as the tympanic membrane or ear drum
The small calcium carbonate rocks that help in the feeling and interpreting sound are better conditioned
The overall hearing system and it’s physical structures are left in “tip-top” condition...
... as a consequence more accurate information is passed to the processing centers of the brain for interpretation
Case Studies
A 5-year old child with very slow sensory processing capability and slumped posture is, after one cycle of training, quicker, straighter, more conversant and happier
An oppositional defiant 8-year old child with language-based reading issues is now asking for music from his infancy, has moved up 2 levels in his reading group and for the first time is initiating appropriate play for extended periods with his younger sister
An anxious and depressed dentist is now able to entertain and comfortably participate in group activities leaving him feeling considerable better
A middle-aged woman suffering from deep anxiety following a spate of deaths in her family over a short period of time is now able to effectively function and get on with her life
Note
With SoListen you are in control of your training program, listening in a time and place that suits you
There are no geographical constraints we have trained clients in Florida and Pennsylvania as easily and effectively as clients in the tri-state area
We are particularly interested in working with families to provide collective training to help overcome issues & problems
Other interesting applications for this technique include prenatal, post traumatic stress, stroke, dementia, stuttering and acquisition of a second language.
If you are interested in finding out more information, please visit our Website
www.listenforchange.net
Or email me at [email protected]
or call me on (914) 714 0112