Music Based Tomatis Programs at Incredible Horizons -Melbourne, Florida 321 751-1313
 

TLP Tomatis Based Bone Conduction Services available now
DLS Tomatis available in July -August 2007
   Unlock undeveloped potential in Brevards only facility with educational rehabilitation programs that improve the brains ability to learn           In July of 2007, DLS will release a vestibular/visual activities kit so that those systems can be stimulated simultaneous to the auditory during DLS Tomatis sessions.  As you can imagine, this is even more effective than other traditional auditory stimulation.

Transform your child's life with the power of Tomatis-

Many of us, children and adults alike, are not "listening" or "learning" to our fullest potential. In fact, many people experience "listening disabilities" or "auditory disabilities" and do not realize it.

This is a non-pharmacological program that could benefit anyone, but especially individuals who have difficulties in the areas of auditory perception, processing, and memory. In children, auditory problems may be identified by speech and language problems, sensitivity to sounds, poor attention, learning or reading disabilities, difficulty remembering or following directions, difficulty in speech production or expressing oneself, difficulty with listening comprehension as well as reading comprehension, difficulty with social interactions, or auditory self-stimulation such as constant humming or self-talk. The greatest thing about this therapy is that all they do is play after the headset is on. The kids love it and there is nothing to resist or have difficulty with. You can bring in their favorite toys if you'd like.

In adults, auditory problems may manifest as difficulty retaining auditory information, poor job performance, poor attentiveness, sound sensitivity, or speech/language and voice concerns. Those with a hearing loss need an auditory stimulation program that will aid in improving the functional use of their hearing. So although actual hearing levels may remain the same (as indicated on an audiogram), our program may help to train the individual's listening skills so that existing hearing may be used more efficiently.

Did you know that adults and children who have had a history of ear infections are at a higher risk for having difficulties in auditory perception? When auditory perception is distorted—whether through illness, injury, developmental or other challenges—auditory processing problems can lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges, including problems with the following:

• Attention and concentration • Listening • Speech and language • Memory • Communication • Social skills • Reading • Sensory integration • Self regulation • Physical balance and coordination

These weaknesses or problems in processing sound can adversely affect us in many ways including difficulties with:

• Over sensitivity to sounds
• Easily distracted by sounds
• Low energy level
• Sleeping soundly                                                                                                                      
• Social interactions
• Vestibular issues including balance and coordination  
• Attention and focusing
• ADD / ADHD
• Retaining auditory information
• Following directions
• Reading comprehension problems
• Speech production and autism
• Learning difficulties and Dyslexia

Whether you are interested in improving brain health for longevity, expanding your own abilities or helping someone you care about, TLP can make a significant difference. Decades of clinical experience combined with the evolution of new technology have made important new advances possible. An unprecedented cross-disciplinary team (including professionals in neurology, psychiatry, neurodevelopment, education, speech pathology, psychoacoustics, music and sound engineering) came together to conceive and design the -- the next generation of auditory stimulation technology. Extensive training in that technology has allowed Incredible Horizons to specialize in Listening Therapy Programs for attention, learning and emotional/behavioral issues.

Incredible Horizons of Melbourne, is now taking registration for Tomatis delivered through Dynamic Listening Systems’ (DLS) programs combine music with the natural hearing processes to re-train the ear, thus improving our ability to listen, to learn, and to communicate better with ourselves and the world around us. Bone Conduction, used at Incredible Horizons, is a specialized delivery method of Tomatis, which presents the music simultaneously through two different sound conduction pathways, air and bone. The combination of air and bone conduction stimulation deepens and accelerates the benefits of Tomatis.

Incredible Horizons’ Tomatis equipment sends the music through the air conduction pathway, as you would normally experience through headphones. However, there is also a transducer in the headband of the headphones, which delivers the music through gentle vibration of the skull bone. The skull bone provides a direct, clear transmission of sound to the cochlea and vestibular systems in the inner ear, by passing the middle ear.

The innovative Tomatis equipment that we use was designed to help balance, strengthen, and/or restore our ability to listen to and process sounds across the full auditory spectrum, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This can result in striking improvements in all areas of our lives, from academic (or job) performance to emotional balance. Good listening is at the heart of all communication, and for good listening to take place we need a healthy ear.  Not just an ear that receives sound accurately, but one that fulfills the ear's role in reading, processing, learning, paying attention, and moving.  

Tomatis-based auditory stimulation programs, often referred to as "listening programs", have been seeing positive results for decades; however, most of the practitioners/centers have been in Europe . Today the number of practitioners in the U.S. and Canada is growing for the simple reason that auditory stimulation delivers significant results for a broad variety of problems, especially when integrated with other therapies.

The DLS Tomatis could just as easily be termed “training” as remediation, because we are essentially training the auditory system, and its connections to the brain, to function more effectively. Studies have shown that people coping with reading and general literacy difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism, poor concentration/memory, auditory processing difficulties have all made progress beyond what would be expected through maturation alone.

Some of the mental benefits:

·    Improved attention span, less distractible
·    Disrupts others less often
·    Improved reading aloud and spelling, initiates reading
·    Increased vocabulary, improved sentence structure, asking more complex questions
·    Language more appropriate, improvement in social interaction
·    Math seems easier
·    Improved motivation, organization and self help skills, more punctual
·    Less irritable, more open-minded
·    Better at beginning and completing tasks

Some of the emotional benefits:                       

·    Increased self-esteem and confidence, less overwhelmed
·    More calm and relaxed, increased frustration tolerance, improved mood
·    More expressive, affectionate, able to express emotions
·    More appropriate interactions with people, makes friends more easily,
          sense of humor
·    More aware of meaning of voice tone, facial and body language
·    Less defensive, more thoughtful and patient

Some of the physical benefits:

·    Physical co-ordination improves, better sense of balance and direction
·    More relaxed, consistent levels of energy, fewer headaches, improved sleep
·    More eye contact, talking and communication, clearer speech
·    Improvement in writing and drawing skills
·    Less sensitive to certain sounds

View video on TLP Tomatis based program http://www.advancedbrain.com/media/video/Australia_TLP_100k.mov

Incredible Horizons offers several levels of music based Tomatis programs- They vary in price and the supervision that is required. The more therapeutic intensity that there is in the application -the more supervision is required.  The increased intensity of the therapeutic input has been documented to accelerate change.  

Research

The DLS Tomatis program is based on the work of Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis. Tomatis-based auditory stimulation programs, often referred to as "listening programs", have been seeing positive results for decades; however, most of the practitioners/centers have been in Europe. Today the number of practitioners in the U.S. and Canada is growing for the simple reason that auditory stimulation delivers significant results for a broad variety of problems, especially when integrated with other therapies. Since the 1950’s, we have been learning about the great influence that sound, and particularly specially engineered music based on the principles of Dr. Alfred Tomatis, has on the functioning of the ears, the body and the brain. The auditory system in the ears passes the energy of sound on to the brain and to the rest of the nervous system of the body. People of all ages around the world have benefited from the remarkable effects of auditory training with modified music.

 Ron Minson, MD trained personally by Dr. Tomatis. Dr. Minson has spent the last 14 years practicing and refining and updating Dr. Tomatis’s ground breaking theories.

Ron Minson, M.D., co-developer of Dynamic Listening System (DLS) Tomatis, employs techniques and methodology derived from his personal training with Dr. Tomatis. He was a close friend and student of Dr. Tomatis, and used the Tomatis equipment for many years. In 1992, Dr. Minson founded DLS with the purpose of developing a listening system, which utilizes the most recent advances in psychoacoustic technology. The physiological and cognitive differences between hearing and listening that he defined form the foundational design of the DLS equipment and training; however, over the past decade Dr. Minson has improved upon the technological component of the original Tomatis method - e.g. the recording quality, frequency range, and stereo delivery - essentially updating the method to take advantage of 21st Century audial technology. Dynamic Listening Systems, Inc. (DLS) has quickly become recognized as the premier supplier of therapeutic listening technology and training.

Using the Dynamic Listening System, I have personally helped people suffering from symptoms of mood disorders, mild post-traumatic head injury, and lack of joy/motivation. Most of my clients overcome many, and sometimes all, of their symptoms – a high percentage no longer needing their medication. Over 90% of all who undertake the DLS Therapy report significant improvement and/or remediation of their primary concern.

The Key? Combining a listening protocol with therapeutic services, clients can make changes very rapidly. Seeing the joy, energy and freedom from many disabling symptoms is highly gratifying. That same reward is experienced by the more than forty international Dynamic Listening Systems practitioners around the world!

Links to research studies

The DLS and Incredible Horizons Connection

Incredible Horizons owners have supported Dr. Minson’s efforts to refine Tomatis since they were introduced to DLS Tomatis in early 2001. Holly Fales was working on her master’s thesis on Tomatis Therapy. After attending a short meeting with Dr. Minson on Tomatis-(which was intended, by Holly, to end with the ability to observe a few sessions for her research)-they enrolled their daughter (Hope) immediately. Hope loved it and Holly soon signed up for her own sessions to repair neurological damage from a jaw surgery. As Holly’s research and experience with the DLS Tomatis Program intensified so did her faith in it.

The Fales family moved to Florida in 2002, with Hope and Holly continuing on a home Tomatis program-The Listening Program (TLP). (Dr. Minson also helped in the development of TLP.) Holly and Russ Fales continued to applaud the progress of Dr. Minson and the development of DLS Tomatis equipment from a distance- waiting for the right time and situation to bring DLS Tomatis to Brevard County. Recently in 2007, several families’ expressed interest in having Tomatis services in Brevard County. Phone calls and emails to Denver formed into the purchase that Russ had so passionately desired for years. Both Holly and Russ Fales feel that Dr. Tomatis would accept the DLS Tomatis equipment with heartfelt applause and pride in his students and colleagues’ efforts to modernize Tomatis equipment, while honoring Tomatis theories. 

Hope’s Triumph-Beating Genetics-Hope, adopted at birth by the Fales, had been diagnosed with so many disabilities: starting at an early age with pervasive developmental delays (PDD), then on to Sensory Integration Disorder, CAPD (Auditory Processing Deficit), dyslexia & convergence issues, ADHD, Asperger’s, etc. It seemed like every specialist gave her symptoms a new label when she was younger. No one in her birth family had ever finished high school because of such deficits in their family. The Fales sought solutions to keep her from such a predicament. Now, she is ahead of others her age in reading (gaining two years of reading in each of the last two years) and has very few symptoms left for occupational therapists and speech therapists to work with.

This year she (age 9) held down a three hour discussion with a paleontologist-who was impressed with her knowledge of dinosaurs, history and science. That is an astounding feat for a child that once had such severe language and reading deficits. She had A’s in every subject (all four terms) this year. Her rehabilitation began with Dr. Ron Minson and DLS Tomatis. She continued to improve on The Listening Program and the Advanced Brain Technology programs and music. She has always been grateful to Alex Doman and Richard Lawrence for such great products. Tomatis (DLS & TLP) has always been Hope’s preferred therapy- It’s music, headphones, and the ability to have fun during therapy has brought her from PDD to confidently looking forward to college in order to work with autistic children.

This incredible outcome is more than The Fales ever imagined. She can not wait to get her own iListen Ipod- She thinks it makes her look like the other kids-cool!!!!                                         (2007) Hope with Alex Doman of Advanced Brain
                                                                                                                                                           Technologies- Co- Creator of TLP

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more about how this music-based sound stimulation can help you or your child expand your capabilities. Listening training may be your key to living life more fully.

***Hope also takes Balance Formula 1 to provide nutritional support for enhancing brain function, especially in the areas of sensory integration and speech.

Who Can Benefit From DLS Tomatis

The following points describe some of the areas in which DLS Tomatis have consistently shown success. 

• Attention difficulties: A well-modulated vestibular system is important for controlling the nervous system’s level of arousal.  DLS Tomatis bone conduction headphones and frequency filtration stimulate the vestibular system in specific ways that improve our ability to maintain a calm and alert state.  A DLS Tomatis process called “gating” strengthens muscles within the middle ear responsible for filtering out unwanted noise, thus improving our ability to discriminate and process sounds.  Additionally, the gradual introduction and focus on higher frequencies in a DLS Tomatis program provides the stimulus craved by the under-attentive brain.

• Auditory processing: The vestibular and cochlear systems are 2 of our 3 main systems for organizing sensory input (vision being the 3rd).  Together they form an interdependent system which allows us to detect and analyze sound, control balance and movement (including eye movement), and integrate our touch, hearing, and vision.  DLS Tomatis applies controlled stimulation of the vestibule and cochlea, thereby improving the integration and efficiency of sensory input to the brain.

• Reading difficulty: Reading requires the ears and eyes to work together synchronously. 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. DLS Tomatis improves the neurological timing and vestibular function, reducing processing delay and improving this synchronization.  DLS Tomatis ear/voice conditioning (“Expressive Phase”) also plays a significant role in improving synchronicity.

• Learning difficulties: Sound enters the ear as a myriad of frequencies and intensities.  The cochlea, within the inner ear is in charge of discerning the various frequencies.  If the cochlea is not functioning well, we have poor “selectivity” and have a hard time telling the difference between a “P” and “B”, or “T” and “D”.   DLS programs are proven to increase selectivity ability, resulting in better classroom performance and increased confidence. 

• Self-esteem: One of the greatest areas of improvement we see with DLS Tomatis clients is their self-esteem.  When we are processing information better, performing better in school and at work, we naturally feel better about ourselves.  On a physiological level, it is worth noting that sound stimulation is received by more parts of the brain than any other sensory input.  This includes the limbic system, which plays a major role in our emotional well-being.

• Alertness, focus, energy: Research has shown that if we deprive ourselves of sensory stimuli we are unable to function effectively. A majority of our sensory stimulation is received via the vestibular/cochlear system. If that system is hindered, the results can be seen in our brain’s ability to function well.  Sound is, literally speaking, nutrition for the brain. On an anatomical level, the feeling of alertness resulting from a “healthy ear” occurs when sensory input coming through the vestibular-cochlear system is channeled to a system at the base of the brain known as the ascending reticular activating system ( ARAS ). From the ARAS , the stimuli are relayed to the cerebral cortex. With good auditory and vestibular input, the ARAS stimulates much of the cortex, having a profound effect on levels of “consciousness” and on one’s sense of feeling sharp versus hazy.

• Brain injury: The DLS Tomatis helps those with MTBI (mild traumatic brain injury) by re-establishing intra-neural connections (synapses) that are often broken during a head injury.  Most commonly, clients see improvements in the following areas: mood, energy level, depth perception, attention, forgetfulness, organization.
   
  
• Downs and Cerebral Palsy: The Tomatis Method is also recommended for children and adults with poor muscle tone and control due to genetic or neurological causes. It can be particularly helpful for children suffering from Downs and some forms of cerebral palsy. Better posture, balance, muscle tone, speech and language are most commonly observed. Clients with CP almost always report less muscle contractions as well. It is commonly reported that they will experience a better self-acceptance and greater acceptance of their body after completing the DLS Tomatis program. It is often reported by the physical and occupational therapists of these children that they are more eager to accept and be actively involved in therapy during and directly after DLS Tomatis.

SCIENCE – HOW DLS TOMATIS WORKS

Looking at the ear physiologically, with its direct connection to the brain, it is easy to see how important it is to our learning, language, emotions, physical movement, and overall health.  A few key facts help illustrate the ear’s important role:

• We read with our eyes and ears.  Reading requires the ears and eyes to work together synchronously. 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.

• A dominant right ear improves learning ability.  Language is processed in the left hemisphere of the brain. The right ear is directly connected to the “left brain," the left ear is connected to the “right brain.” A dominant right ear has the quicker, more direct path to the language side of the brain.

• 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.

• Pitch discrimination (“selectivity”), our ability to determine whether a pitch is high or low, is very important to classroom performance and self-confidence.  The meaning of what we’re trying to convey is carried in large part by the tone of our speech.  Those with poor selectivity often can not hear the tone and therefore the meaning.

• Selectivity is also important to help us distinguish between letters that sound alike.  Those who struggle with the difference between a “p” and “b”, or a “t” and “d” are at a disadvantage in reading, spelling and writing.

Tomatis listening programs stimulate:

DLS Tomatis uses a variety of safe auditory techniques to improve learning, attention, and well-being.  The most salient of these are listed below.

Sound waves entering the outer ear are transformed into electrical impulses in the inner ear and sent to the brain; those impulses provide energy to the brain and influence our ability to focus and sustain attention.  (Brain scans show, for example, that children with AD/HD lack ‘energy’ in key parts of the brain for attention and focus.) 

Bone conduction: Most of us are not aware of it, but we hear sounds in 2 ways – through air conduction and bone conduction. The odd sensation of hearing our own voice on a recording and not recognizing it is because on the recording we only hear the air conducted sound of our voice. When we speak, we hear our voice through both air and bone conduction (which is why audiologists check our hearing by placing a vibrator on the mastoid bone right behind the ear; this tests our bone conduction response). 

Lower frequencies in particular lend themselves to conduction by bone.  These frequencies seem to have a very positive effect on our vestibular function.  The process is as natural and safe as listening to a church choir or talented baritone voice, yet yields significant results with DLS protocols.

Frequency Filtration: Based partly on the theory that those who can hear more of the auditory spectrum have an advantage in learning, DLS Tomatis programs employ gradually increasing filtration levels.  By filtering, or letting only certain frequencies through, we are able to selectively train parts of a client’s auditory spectrum, improving learning-related abilities such as pitch discrimination (selectivity), sound decoding, and auditory memory. For more info click here

Gating: The muscles of the inner ear have as one of their functions the job of screening out unwanted sounds.  DLS Tomatis gating separates music into 2 channels, alternating (or “gating”) them, with one channel boosting high frequencies and the other channel boosting low frequencies as the music volume increases and decreases.  This causes the muscles in the middle ear to continuously tighten and relax, a process that strengthens them.  As the muscles become stronger so does our ability for focused listening and paying attention.

Audio/Vocal Training: Audio/Vocal training is incorporated into the latter part of the DLS program once the auditory foundation is in place to train our speaking voices.  The training involves reading aloud and repeating phrases into a microphone, and then listening to the play-back.  This develops the auditory/vocal feedback loop: Is what I am saying matching what I intended to say?  Am I speaking clearly? A rich speaking voice has the natural effect of continually energizing and stimulating the brain.  The audio/vocal training is also used as a means of helping those who are left-ear dominant strengthen their right ear listening capability.

The Program Process

Incredible Horizons offers several levels of music based Tomatis programs- They vary in price and the supervision that is required. The more therapeutic intensity that there is in the application -the more supervision is required.  The increased intensity of the therapeutic input has been documented to accelerate change.  
We can help you select the program that is best for you.

•   Dynamic Listening System (center-based program - individualized, all sessions are done under supervision) Services will be available late July or early August 
•  iListen Ipod or The Listening Program CD's with Bone Conduction (home/school program - programmed iPod & special headphones, weekly supervision) Often used as prelude to DSL or a maintenance program afterwards. Can be purchased from Incredible Horizons
•  The Listening Program 8-10 specialized CDs or iListen Ipod's without bone conduction (home/school program -  occasional supervision) Can be used as a prelude to bone conduction or a maintenance program-Can be purchased from Incredible Horizons

iListen and The Listening Program are 15-30 minute sessions for the duration of the program.

Although the DLS program length varies per individual, a typical program involves 23-30 sessions of 1 hour and 20 minutes each, with one or two 3-week breaks in the middle. Sessions occur 2-3 times per week. The entire program, including the 3-week break(s), is usually completed within a 3-4 month period.

Prior to beginning the program, we have a brief phone conversation with you to discuss your challenges and to determine suitability for a listening program. At times, we will suggest TLP Pograms as a prelude to DLS Tomatis. Especially, with out of town clients.

Step I - Listening Test and Evaluation 

We hear sounds via bone conduction (a process which begins prior to birth) and air conduction. The Tomatis Listening Test measures both bone and air conduction, and provides the basis for the client’s remediation program. The test takes about 20 minutes and is given again at varying stages throughout the program to gauge progress and provide feedback to the clinician. An extensive interview and evaluation are done concurrent with the Listening Test to review relevant history, concerns and goals.

Step II - Reviewing Your Auditory Training Program with Your Clinician

The specific program for each client is determined after the client interview/assessment and Listening Test analysis. Each individualized program outlines the length and number of listening sessions, combined with other interventions your clinician may be employing. Those with seizures and meniears disease will need to use precautions and progress through The Listening Program (TLP) with out bone conduction and build up to DLS Tomatis.

Step III – The Program

All programs vary according to the client’s specific condition; however, a typical core program involves 23-30 sessions @ 1 hour and 20 minutes each, with one or two 3-week breaks in the middle. There are 2 phases, receptive and expressive, which model the sequence of developmental language acquisition. Intensive (Fast paced) programs can be scheduled for out of state/country clients.

Phase I – The Receptive Phase: This phase combines full spectrum with filtered sounds, primarily classical music, at gradually increasing frequencies (filtration and frequency range vary according to client’s condition and developmental age – i.e. highly filtered music can be too stimulating to an immature nervous system, as seen in autistic and neuro-developmentally delayed children). The receptive phase of the program “opens” the ear, charges the nervous system and improves auditory processing. The duration of this phase is generally 15 sessions @ 1 hour and 20 minutes each. A Listening Test and consultation are given at Session 7 or 8, and again at Session 15.

> Three-Week Break allowing for assimilation <

Phase II – The Expressive Phase: Following a 3-week break, a Listening Test is given again, changes/feedback are discussed, and the program for the next 8 sessions is reviewed. The expressive phase addresses the ear-voice control loop, that is, the energizing effect and experience of hearing one’s own voice. The client hums, sings, or speaks into a microphone; the sounds are electronically enriched and fed back through the headphones. This “expressive listening” increases our ability to truly listen to one’s self and to move into effective dialog and communication with others. A listening test is given at the end of the 8 sessions.

In the case of a 30-session program, a final 7-session phase begins after another 3-week break.

             Completion/Follow-up: Upon completion of the program, a review of initial
             goals is undertaken and progress is evaluated.  Any tests done at the beginning
             of the program (e.g. LAC, SCAN, IVA) are repeated for a before-and-after
             analysis.  A follow-up consultation with the clinician after 2-3 months is advisable
             to ensure that the gains are stable and being maintained.  (This follow-up
             appointment is usually offered at no charge. We recommend that clients
             purchase Ilisten Ipod or TLP as a maintenance program for home use after the DLS
             program.)

Activities During Listening: The DLS Tomatis headsets have long cords so listeners are free to walk about, play games, or just rest. Specific therapeutic activities designed by occupational therapists or other professionals may be done during listening. Children usually enjoy “quiet activities” such as crafts, playing with toys, painting, etc., while most adults prefer to sit and listen quietly. Homework, office work, and intense mental activities are discouraged. Chewing gum and eating are not allowed as they might interfere with auditory processing.

Adults draw, work on a puzzle, meditate, rest, sometimes fall asleep as they start to relax more deeply. Art work is a great adjunct to the program: music, indeed, brings often a lot of mental images that, once projected on the paper, can bring about new ideas, associations, feelings that speed up the process, and expand awareness.

 

Incredible Horizons Academy services to enhance brain power are open to the public.
Call 321 751-1313 to schedule an appointment.

IHA is Accepting:

Students of all abilities, Dyslexia,
ADHD/LD, Cerebral Palsy,
Developmental Delays, Autism
Sensory and Processing Difficulties

*****Students enrolled in IHA enjoy discounts on these services

Holly Fales     School Administrator-Authorized Provider TLP

Russ Fales         Operations + Admissions-Certified Provider with Bone Conduction

Phone                  321-751-1313

Fax                    321-751-3838

Sales@incrediblehorizons.com