Therapeutic Listening® (TL) is an individualized, sound-based therapeutic tool that can be part of a sensory diet to encourage sensory integration. Clients utilizing this program can demonstrate improvements in attention, fine motor skills, speech articulation, stabilized mood/energy levels, regulated sleep/wake cycles, decreased sensitivities to sound, and improved posture/coordination. TL can help accelerate progress towards therapeutic goals for individuals with diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delay, children who have had repeated ear infections and more. The program can be used with children as young as 2 years old and can even be effective for adults.
How Does it Work?
Do you ever listen to music to help you focus? The steady beat of music is very organizing to the human brain. TL uses the strong effects of music with added continuous “surprising elements” such as changes in volume and pitch emphasis to increase the therapeutic benefit. As the volume of a song changes, a child must “reach” to hear quieter parts of a song, helping develop skills needed to pay attention to important sounds (i.e. Mom’s voice) while learning to block out background sounds (i.e. the buzz of the refrigerator). And because the human brain automatically expects music to follow a certain pattern, the changes in pitch and instrument emphasis in TL tracks surprise a child’s brain, causing them to pay attention, and keep that attention.
One of our pediatric OTs may recommend using TL as part of a child’s outpatient program, and some children also benefit from using TL at home. TL headphones do not block out sound, so children can participate in therapy or daily activities without disruption. The TL music library consists of various types and styles of music, including one chip of songs sung completely in Spanish.
If you are interested in learning more about Rehabilitation Associates Inc.’s Therapeutic Listening ® program, please contact our Fairfield Office (203) 384-8681.