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 Sue@listenforchange.net

or call me on (914) 714 0112