Auditory Interventions

There are several types of auditory interventions.

1. Berard Auditory Integration Training (Berard AIT or AIT)

Berard AIT is the only one with significant scientific backing which involves listening to processed music for a total of 10 hours. Ten days of listening sessions provided 2 times a day, for 30 minutes each session. The sessions must be followed strictly for 5 days in a row. Aften 5 days, it is acceptable to have 1 or 2 days break.

The Berard method of auditory integration training stimulates the auditory system with unique sounds produced by the Berard AIT device. These unique sounds stimulate the auditory system to reduce or eliminate the problems within this system. It is a method of retraining the way the sounds are processed. When sounds are processed properly, a person can maintain a state of alert readiness, concentration, and effective comprehension. Research has shown that AIT improves auditory processing, decreases or eliminates sound sensitivity, and reduces behavioral problems in some autistic children. For more information please visit : http://www.berardaitwebsite.com

2. TOMATIS Method

The TOMATIS Method expressed a psychological regenerations by reactivating the type of sounds that is heard in uterus. The sounds are reconstituted in such a way as to revive the memory associated with the sound of the environment of this stage of development.

The device used is called Electronic Ear. With Electronic Ear, the work goes under three phases

• The reactivation of liquid listening is intended to set off a resurgence of fetal memory, which brings out the individual's desire to communicate.
• The archaic memory is held sufficiently in a long state, along with the stimulation from the filtered maternal voice or filtered music. This will revived the desire to enter into communication.
• Finally, the progressive return to aerial listening to induce a psychological birth which will enable the reorganisation of the mechanisms of communication by reactivating on the audio-vocal loop. For more information, please visit http://www.tomatis-group.com/

3. Listening Program

Classical music, like that of Mozart, Haydn and Vivaldi, , producing sound waves in organized patterns. Within these patterns are vital elements including time, frequency and volume. When listening to music, the ear is receiving the musical sound waves in different frequencies. These frequencies stimulate the brain, and thus affect different functions of the mind and body.

The Listening Program’s psychoacoustically modified music are designed to stimulate, or “exercise” the different functions of the auditory processing system. This enables the brain to better receive, process, store and utilize the valuable information provided through the varied soundscapes in music, language and the environment we live in. For more information, please visit http://www.thelisteningprogram.com

4. SAMONAS method.

The SAMONAS method combined the ideas of Tomatis with advances in both technology and physics. Ingo Steinbach, a German sound engineer, developed SAMONAS method with a broad background in music, physics, and electronics. All of the recordings used in Steinbach's work are based on the SONAs (system of optimal natural structure) principle, which make it possible to maintain the valuable elements and structure of natural sounds throughout the entire process of recording, processing and reproduction. The choice of music is based on the principles of music therapy. Most selections are classical music and some include nature sounds.

Steinbach developed a special device called the envelope shape modulator which enhances the upper frequency range of the music. The higher frequencies provide information about directional distance of sounds as well other detailed information about the sound source. Listening to these 'high extension' passages trains the ear to pay attention to the upper ranges in the sound spectrum. Again, the higher tones are the parts of the sound spectrum that captivate attention and hold interest. These recordings are identified as SAMONAS, for spectrally activated music of optimal natural structure.

Steinbach creates several different levels of compact disc with varying intensities of spectral activation and filtering. The less intense compact discs are available to therapists with an understanding of the implication of filtered sound (these lower level CDs are incorporated into entry level practice of the use of modulated sound such as Integrated Listening (see below).

The more intense compact discs require a longer more intensive training period which provides the therapist with more advanced information regarding sound as well as training in more sophisticated pieces of equipment used in SAMONAS Sound Therapy. To use the title trained in Samonas a therapist must complete a 5 day training course; a year of practical experience, and then present documented case studies for peer review. Those who are looking for a therapist with appropriate qualifications may use the therapist database that will be available beginning February 2000 on the web at www.Samonas.org or www.Samonas.com