Child's Play
Occupational Therapy Services
For Children
Monthly Topic-Summer 2001
"Therapeutic Listening-A New Sensory Integration Concept"
Introduction:
As pediatric occupational therapists we are always looking for new "tricks" to add to our bags of treatment activities. It is very tempting to try every new approach on the market and with each new passing bandwagon. But as professionals we owe it to our clients to heavily scrutinize new approaches for their own protection. We then need to thoroughly investigate these approaches before bringing them into our clinics and therapy sessions. It is with this said that I would like to introduce you to a new sensory integration concept called "Therapeutic Listening".
History of the Use of Sound for Therapies:
Sound therapies emerged from the ideas of Alfred Tomatis, Ingo Steinbach, and Guy Berard. These individuals felt that you could use specific types of sound to stimulate/enhance certain cognitive brain functions. As this theory and the use of this approach expanded, some occupational therapists thought that it could prove useful within a sensory integration model of treatment. Hence the birth of "Therapeutic Listening".
What is "Therapeutic Listening"?
"Therapeutic Listening" is an approach that uses sound stimulation in attempts to optimally affect the vestibular system which originates in the ear. This technique is intended to be used in conjunction with other sensory integrative strategies not in place of them. "Therapeutic Listening" uses a number of electronically altered compact discs that emphasize high and low frequencies. These compact discs contain different elements some nature and electronically synthesized sounds some Baroque and Mozart music. These discs are most commonly used with specially designed headphones.
What Does a Listening Program Look Like?
Although each listening program is designed to fit the needs of individual clients, many programs follow some of the same general guidelines. "Therapeutic Listening" programs typically use specially designed headphones with "modulated" or "modified" sounds/music pieces. Listening times are typically twice daily for 30 minutes at a time. Programs typically last between 6-8 weeks but this also varies greatly depending on the client. At the completion of this 6-8 week program the child's occupational therapist then decides whether he/she is still receiving benefits from the listening and whether to continue on or take a break.
Benefits of "Therapeutic Listening":
As previously mentioned, "Therapeutic Listening" is not meant to replace current sensory integration treatment protocols. It is optimally used as a compliment to these protocols and treatments. Some therapists use listening as an individual protocol, others use it as part of their client's "sensory diet" and "sensory home program". This program shows promise due to the wide range of needs and diagnoses it can be applied to. It has shown positive preliminary results for children with sensory integrative difficulties, autism, spectrum disorders, ADHD, PDD, learning difficulties, speech delays, motor delays, and coordination issues just to name a few.
Conclusion:
Therapeutic Listening" is an exciting new development in the field of occupational therapy and in the area of sensory integration. This type of program can be modified to meet the needs of children aged 6 months up to adults. Parents interested in their children being placed on a "Therapeutic Listening" program should make sure that the administering occupational therapist has received first hand training on the use of the program. In addition, they should be using the specific equipment and modulated compact discs that were intended for the program.
Child's Play is now proud to offer "Therapeutic Listening" programs as one of our many services! Please call the clinic at (203)367-8692 to make an appointment.
If you have questions/comments or would like more information regarding "Therapeutic Listening- A New Sensory Integration Concept" you can "Ask the Occupational Therapist" through our online response option by clicking below.
"Ask the Occupational Therapist"