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Attention Listening & Learning, FL Benefits of Music-based Auditory Training
“S.H.” WAS IN A SMALL after-school auditory training program I conducted at her school. She was repeating a grade, because she had failed the FCAT in reading. In addition, “S.H.” had difficulty processing the teacher’s verbal instructions, and her attention span was short.
When his parents brought “B.J.” to me at the Center for Listening & Learning, he had just turned three. “B.J.” did not talk, he didn’t look at people, and he screamed if his mother tried to leave his side – especially at bedtime. “B.J.” has autism. His father said he would give anything if his son would just look him in the eyes.
When I first met these children, they had one thing in common. They had difficulty processing what they heard.
Over 50 years ago, Dr. Alfred Tomatis, E.N.T., discovered that by manipulating the frequencies of classical music, he could train people’s ears to take in sound more effectively. In fact, this method of auditory training with modified music also improves the functioning of the body and the brain.
There are muscles attached to the hammer and stirrup in the ears. If these muscles become weak, they cannot move the hammer and stirrup into the precise position needed to listen with focus and to tune out background sounds. The modified music exercise the muscles in the auditory system for more focused and accurate listening.
Sound energy from the music stimulates the vestibular system and, thereby, improves balance and coordination. The energy also promotes the growth of new pathways in the brain, which improves auditory processing (understanding what is heard), sensory integration (vision, hearing and touch working together), speech & language, reading, math, attention span, mood and memory.
Let’s return to the children. Due to her auditory training, “S.H.” was able to understand the teacher’s verbal directions, her attention span improved, and reading became her favorite subject. In fact, “S.H.” spent the next year on the Honor Roll!
Because of his listening training, “B.J,” now looks at and laughs with his father. “B.J.” is also talking well enough to get his needs met. His mother can walk away from him with no problem – even at bedtime. When she tucks “B.J.” into bed, he even asks her to close his bedroom door as she leaves! “B.J.” still has autistic characteristics, but he now behaves more like other children his age.
If you think your child may have a listening- related problem, contact me at The Center for Listening & Learning. We will evaluate together whether or not an auditory training program might be helpful. It may change your child’s life.
Diane Daniels, MA, Ed.S, director of Center for Listening & Learning in Gainesville, FL, is a certified teacher, school counselor and school psychologist. Diane offers auditory training programs at the center and for home use. G
For a free consultation, contact Diane at (352) 379-1981 or listenez@sfcc.net. See www.listenez.net for more information.
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