The Listening Center, Transformation through Tomatis. Listening and Learning for Life

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Testimonial

After completing Dr. Swain's prescribed hours of listening therapy, I was blessed with a new child. He is no longer on any medication, and he is doing better socially and academically than he has ever been able to inside and outside of school.

-Connie Taylor

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The Listening Center provides all of its services through licensed & certified professionals.

Tomatis Outreaches 2008
July 21:
Second Outreach,
San Jose, California

Summer 2008:
San Diego, California

Future locations:
Marin
Chico

TLC
In the News!
On Another Frequency A great article in the San Francisco Chronicle on Dr. Deb and The Listening Center.
>>Read the article
Listening Program Tomatis Listening Fitness AIT Samonas
Originator Based on the work of Dr. Alfred Tomatis, France Paul Madaule, Canada Dr. Guy Berard, France Ingo Steinbach, Germany
Formal Name of Technique The Tomatis Method, Audio Psycho Phonology "Listening Training" Listening Fitness (LiFT) "Listening Training" Auditory Integration Training (AIT) SAMONAS Sound Therapy
Theory Developed theory regarding the development of hearing in utero and the impact of auditory stimulus on all aspects of development including movement processing. Recognizes sensory integrative value of auditory stimulus. Based on the 'key concepts' from Tomatis and directed toward the impact of listening on learning, academics and vocal expression. Trained and worked with Tomatis. Developed his own device & protocol to reduce the time required to produce results. Emphasized auditory stimulus' impact on behavior and language. Influenced by Tomatis and Temple Fay. Based on principles of music therapy in accordance with developmental aspects and natural laws of physics related to sound. Emphasizes the global impact of specific auditory stimulus on physical, emotional, and energetic development.
Equipment Electronic Ear; headphones and bone conduction. Portable audio processor (LiFT) cassette player, tapes, headphone with microphone. Berard: Audiokinetron (EERS). BCG: Audio-tone Enhancer. Both use headphones of precise specifications and music approved for AIT. CDs; headphones of precise specifications & bone conduction. Variety of other equipment for working with special populations.
Assessment A thorough Speech Language and Processing assessment using standardized assessment batteries designed for use by Speech-Language Pathologists. Developmental history. Listening Identification System developed by Paul Madaule. Relevant information (tests, school records) gathered by the practitioner. Developmental history & current performance. Auditory threshold sensivity (audiogram) and other auditory assessments performed by an audiologist. Order threshold; dichotic listening test; SCAN and other assessments appropriate to the tester's profession.
Music Audiotape recording of music by Mozart, Gregorian Chants, Mother's voice. Mozart, Gregorian Chant, voice. Approved music contains lively music with a broad range of frequencies processed through the AIT device. Classical music and Nature sounds.
Modality 1. Gating mechanism modulates sound between high and low channels.
2. Hi-pass filters which eliminate all sounds below specific sound frequencies, e.g. when filtered at 2,000 Hz, the listener hears all frequencies above 2,000 Hz.
3. Balance Control
4. Bone & air conduction		 1. Gating mechanism modulates sound between high and low channels.
2. Hi-pass filters which eliminate all sounds below specific sound frequencies, e.g. when filtered at 2,000 Hz, the listener hears all frequencies above 2,000 Hz.
3. Balance Control
4. Air conduction		 Berard:
1. Modulates (distorts) high/low frequencies quickly.
2. Can filter out specific sound frequencies
3. Air conduction (head phones)

BGC:
1. Modulation is random
2. Can filter out specific sound frequencies.
3. Air conduction		 1. Spatially enhanced recordings.
2. Specially activated music emphasizing harmonic structures (i.e. electronic envelope shape modulator that emphasizes the time difference in the shape of sound).
3. High extentions: short passages of high pass filtering which eliminate all sounds below specific frequencies. The degree of filtering progresses with higher levels of activation.
4. Air & bone conduction
5. Possibility to request individualized CD's
Program Duration Two hours of listening per day is common for the first two phases. Between 30-40 hours with breaks for integration. Non-intensive program:
30 hours over 10 weeks ( 1 hour/day for 6 out of 7 days ).

Intensive program:
60 hours with a break for integration. 		Two half hours per day; total of 10 hours; completed within 12 days. Daily use for an extended period of time. Variety of CDs available. Must be under supervision of a trained individual.
Where? Applied in clinic. Applied in clinic, school or at home. Applied in clinic or school. Applied at home and in clinic, or school.
Training Requirements Extensive training in The Tomatis Method. Experienced practitioners receive a three day training course-supervision & support with ten clients ( 12 to 18 months ) for certification. Professionals with experience or advanced degrees are trained by an approved professional trainer. Entry level: Listening with the whole body course. Five day core training courses; One year practical experience followed by written documentation and case studies.