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Auditory Interventions

Auditory Integration Training

Berard Auditory Integration Training involves listening to specifically selected musical compositions that are processed through a machine that separates and alters the low and high sound frequencies at random intervals. This distortion and randomization of sound waves massages the vestibular-cochlear mechanism located in the inner ear.  

Therefore, many children who have vestibular-based issues respond especially well to this. There are many theories as to why Berard AIT works. Since language develops with hearing, Guy Berard focuses on the language system. While the language system of the brain is definitely important, it is important to know that the movement receptors are in the middle ear and they are responsive to vibration. The movement system has tremendous effect on total brain.

In studies, differences have been found between those individuals who received Berard AIT and those who received a placebo. Results indicate that those who receive Berard AIT demonstrate increased attention, auditory memory, articulation, and comprehension and decreased self-stimulatory behaviors, impulsivity, distractibility and echolalic speech.  

 

Berard Auditory Integration Training involves listening to specifically selected music tracks that are processed through a machine that separates the sound frequencies and alters the low and high sound frequencies at random intervals. This distortion and randomization of the sounds massages the inner ear and the vestibular-cochlear mechanism located in the inner ear.  

 

Therefore, many children who have vestibular-based issues respond especially well to this. There are many theories as to why Berard AIT works. Since language develops with hearing, Guy Berard focuses on the language system. While the language system of the brain is definitely important, it is important to know that the movement receptors are in the middle ear and they are responsive to vibration. The movement system has tremendous effect on total brain.

 

  Areas of Improvement Noted During and Following AIT

  • Receptive and expressive language

  • Speed of processing for motor skill and language Praxis, which is composed of the following:

    •  1)  Planning how to carry it out

    • 2)  Sequencing and timing the tasks

  • Affect, including facial expression and responsiveness

  • Gravitational security- decreased fear of movement

  • Modulation or ability to stay calm in varied environments

  • Decreased auditory hypersensitivity and fear of noises  

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Safe and Sound Protocol

Based on over 40 years of research conducted by Dr. Stephen Porges who created the Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an occupational therapy 5-day intensive intervention. The protocol has been designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. It uses specially modified music to reset the nervous system for a calmer state. In this calmer physiological and emotional state, individuals can become more receptive to communication and engagement in other therapeutic interventions. It supports attention to the processing of speech sounds. We must be regulated and organized in order to understand language and engage socially with one another! SSP is also a great way to help children and adults move through major transitions and prepare for participation in other therapeutic interventions.

Target Areas for the Safe and Sound Protocol

  •  Social and emotional difficulties 

  •  Auditory sensitivities 

  •  Anxiety 

  •  Trauma-related challenges 

  •  Inattention 

  • Stressors impacting socialization 

  • Adapting to transitions 

  • Irrational Fear 

  • Fight/Fright/Flight response 

Vital Links Therapeutic Listening 

Therapeutic Listening is a comprehensive, multi-faceted sound-based approach that involves much more than just the ears. Like other sensory systems, the auditory system does not work in isolation. Neurologically it is connected to all levels of brain function and as a result it has a vast range of influence. How we listen impacts not only our overall physiology, but also our behavior. 

Therapeutic Listening is a specific sound-based intervention that is embedded in a developmental and sensory integration perspective. The music in Therapeutic Listening gives the listener unique and precisely controlled sensory information. The music is electronically modified to highlight the parts of the sound spectrum that naturally capture attention and activate body movement, synchronizing it with the environment. Therapeutic Listening uses electronic modifications, along with the organized, rhythmical sound patterns inherent in music, to trigger the self-organizing capacities of the nervous system. 

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Therapeutic Listening may benefit a wide variety of individuals of various ages who might exhibit: 
 

  • poor attention 

  • difficulties interacting with peers and limited play skills 

  • challenges with transitions or changes in routine 

  • difficulty communicating (both verbal and non-verbal) 

  • struggles with sleep, bowel and bladder control, and eating 

  • trouble following directions 

  • challenges perceiving and navigating space 

  • poor timing and sequencing of motor skills 

  • difficulties with irritability, mood 

  • difficulties with regulating their energy level (i.e. too low arousal or hyperactive) 

  • postural insecurity (fear of heights, playing on playground equipment) 

  • abnormal responses to various sensory stimuli (sounds, touch, taste, pain) 

  • poor praxis and motor planning: coming up with an idea, planning, and completing the task 

  • difficulty responding to sounds and verbal directions 

This is not a comprehensive list of individuals who could benefit from Therapeutic Listening.  Please consult your therapist to determine if Therapeutic Listening is appropriate for you. 

(information from https://vitallinks.com/therapeutic-listening/) 

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