Overview

• What is iLs?• How does iLs work?• What is the science behind the method?• What is the equipment like? • How long is the iLs program?• Is there supporting research?• What is the cost of a clinic program?• Summary

What is iLs? • Combines auditory training with balance and visual

activities

• Stimulates parts of the brain involved in learning, communication, emotion, memory and balance

• Evolved from proven therapies used to help with dyslexia, attention, auditory processing, coordination, communication, cognitive function and optimal performance

Proven Techniques, New Technology

iLs combines sound and movement therapies:

Tomatis Method – sound therapy, 40 years in Europe, $50k for equipment/training

Kinesiology & Yoga – movement therapy known for its neurological stimulation

Brain growth occurs through stimulation - a concept known as “neuroplasticity”.

iLs’ combined sound and movement programs stimulate the learning and communication parts of the brain.

How Does Integrated Listening Work?

• Information from our environment is conveyed through our senses: taste, touch, smell, hearing, seeing, vestibular (balance) and muscle awareness.

• These sensory systems are very inter-related, especially the eyes, ears and vestibular.

• An example of the inter-relatedness is the act of reading:– As your eyes move from letter to letter your ear (cochlea)

translates each letter into a sound. – The vestibular system coordinates the eye movements and aids

the synchronicity of the eyes and ears.

Information Integration & Processing

• The vestibular and cochlear systems, located in the inner ear, work together to relay sensory input to the brain.

• They play a key role in our ability to integrate our senses, and their successful interaction is essential for language development, sensory processing and motor function.

iLs Equipment• Custom-fitted headphones

> air and bone delivery> vestibular stimulation

• Mini-amp powers headphones

• iPod holds processed music

• Beltpack: simultaneous sound and movement

• Playbook: weekly guide for movement activities

iLs Listening Component

• Receptive and Expressive Phases – training the brain’s processing for input and output

• 3 frequency zones correlating to the body, communication and cognitive function

• Audio techniques: frequency filtration, gating, bone conduction

• Each program is customized for the individual

iLs Music – frequencies stimulating specific areas of the mind

iLs: Receptive & Expressive

Phases

Program Structure• Receptive Phase

– 40 - 60 Sessions– Each session is 60-minutes combined listening and

movement (movement activities ~ 15 min)– 3-5 sessions per week– total program 2-3 months

• Expressive Phase (optional add-on)– Excellent for expressive language issues– Begin toward last 1/4 of Receptive Phase– 10-20 min per session – make it fun!

iLs Receptive Programs

1- Sensory Motor: a 60-session program for those with sensory integration and developmental challenges as well as those on the autistic spectrum; gentle program focusing on lower frequencies

2- Concentration & Attention: a 40-session program for those with attention deficits; focuses on the frequencies of zones 1 & 2

3- Reading/Auditory Processing: a 40-session program for reading-related and auditory processing skills; focus is on zone 2 frequencies

4- Optimal Performance for Teens/Adults: a 48-session program to improve memory, processing, mood and balance; excellent for seniors, too; focus is on zones 2 & 3 frequencies

iLs Expressive Phase (optional add-on)

Equipment: microphone, amp, headphones & voice

• Conditions the ear/voice feedback loop• Improves reading, listening, attention, voice quality and

self-confidence• Exercises designed to improve the following skills:

– Auditory memory– Phonemic awareness (decoding of sounds)– Auditory processing speed– Left and right ear perception and processing– Concentration & listening skills– Auditory figure ground (language amidst background noise)

Research

• Auditory ProcessingThe Effects of Tomatis Method on APD by Dr. Ross-Swain

41 APD subjects showed average improvement in overall auditory processing skills of 49% (2005-2006; to be published in 2007)Hillside Health Center Study, Dr. M. Fraval, H. Armytage 30 subjects showed average improvement in auditory processing

skills of 78% (2006)

• ReadingLongitudinal Study by Dr. J.A. Calhoun, 2006 – 3 month trial

36 students K-2 showed average gain in reading of 2 yearsHope Charter School Study by B. van Houten, R.N.

6 case studies showed average gain in reading of 2.2 years after 4- month program (2006)

See the Research pages of www.integratedlistening.com

Summary• iLs is a natural and safe therapy, the only side effects

being a strong chance of improved self-esteem

• iLs programs are effective for helping with learning, attention and balance problems, for those on the autistic spectrum; mild head injury (whiplash); mood; improved cognitive skills; energy and enthusiasm for life

• iLs addresses the cause rather than the symptoms

• iLs is fun, most kids and adults enjoy their listening

Follow Up

• Q & A• Hands-on listening• Schedule a complimentary Pitch Discrimination Test

or Symptoms Checklist Assessment