AUDITORY PROCESSING PROTOCOL


TOMATIS® METHOD, TALKSUP® & TOMATIS® LISTENING TEST (TLT)

When your listening is challenged, the auditory system- a powerful sensory integrator, is disrupted. This disruption can significantly compromise an individual’s personal and academic development, as well as their state of being.

The Tomatis® Method is a listening and speaking program. As with any educational approach, it should be undertaken within a sustained, repeated framework and by alternating it with resting phases so that the appropriate level of integration takes place. The Protocol consists of various programs (loops). Each program is customised and defined by the certified Tomatis® Consultant, following a complete assessment of listening (TLT).

By modulating sound perception and integration through the ears, the Tomatis® Method works on the individual’s neurophysiology, aiming to stimulate the brain and ameliorate auditory processing challenges.

 
 

TalksUp®   

TalksUp® is a device that encompasses all the technology used in the Tomatis® Method. It is equipped with a miniaturised and ultra-high-performance Tomatis® Electronic Gating® that processes music as well as the user’s voice in real time, with all the Tomatis® settings.

With its unique processor, multiple and upgradable functions, its intuitive programming software and the capacity to customise based on the specific needs of the individual identified through the battery of tests administered (i.e. Neuromotor development, TLT Listening/Auditory processing, Dyslexia testing, other screenings),  TalksUp® is the most advanced technology for auditory stimulation.

  • Home-based listening program

  • Each loop consists of 14 days, 2 sessions of 40-minute of listening per day

  • Electronic Gating® technology integrated into the Tomatis® Effect

  • Lightweight, portable and robust

  • Equipped with a touch screen and intuitive interface

The Tomatis® Listening Test (TLT)                                            

The TLT is a powerful assessment device that measures the individual’s perception of frequencies through bone and air conduction and is used to establish a listening curve for each individual relative to her or his listening thresholds.

 It further aims to determine how the individual communicates with others. The test is consisted of a series of subtests, the synthesis of which, results in the elaboration of curves known as 'listening profile'. This listening profile is specific to each person’s skills and performance.

What is the process of the Listening Test?

  • The client is presented with acoustic stimuli through headphones that transmit sound by both air and bone conduction

  • Response to stimuli is tested either manually or orally – depending on the individual’s profile

  • Each ear is tested thoroughly

  • The test takes approximately 15 minutes

  • Data is digitally compiled by the Tomatis Consultant

  • Upon completion and based on the results, we design an Individualised Plan of Action

If you are interested in finding out more about the testing phase and/or to book your assessment, you may contact us here.


What is the process involved in the Listening stage?

  • An individualised program consists of the Tomatis music tracks, which have been selected and processed appropriately by the experienced Consultant, based on the results of the Listening Test (TLT), history intake and the overall profile

  • Sound-based intervention is delivered through the use of the TalksUp® headset

  • The individual sits on her/his chair, relaxes and listens to the program

  • There are two 40-minute sessions that need to be undergone each day, for 14 days

  • The sessions can be attended either consecutively, or with a break in-between (i.e. am/pm)

  • During the session the child can sit and relax, draw, paint, work on creative board games or puzzles

Upon completion of each listening program (loop) there is a certain period of break (4-8 weeks depending on the loop). This pause is referred to as ‘integrational phase’, where the brain processes and consolidates stimulation.

An integrational phase is followed by listening test that aims to monitor progress and determine the nature of the following loops that consist the Tomatis Protocol.

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*Please note our assessment tools are designed to help Tomatis Consultants and Practitioners to determine the individual’s profile and evaluate improvement following listening sessions. These tools are not designed to establish a medical diagnosis. 
 

What are its areas of application?

  • ATTENTION

The Tomatis® Method relies on the electronic Gating® system that produces a sound contrast. This effect constantly and naturally surprises the brain and aims to help the brain develop automatic change detection mechanisms. Once these mechanisms are assimilated, the individual can effectively select relevant information and decide to reject or discriminate side events. For this reason, the Tomatis® Method is a complementary tool in supporting individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADD / ADHD).

  • LEARNING

The Tomatis® Method aims to enable the individual to establish compensatory circuits. It does not “cure” a learning disability but rather, bypasses or compensates it in a way that allows the brain to exploit other neural networks. In the case of a specific learning difficulty linked to language, it facilitates sound decoding and sound analysis, providing invaluable support in Dyslexia and/or Learning Difficulties’ Remediation.

  • VOICE PERCEPTION

By actively working on the auditory feedback loop via air and bone conduction, the Tomatis® Method aims to restore the link that connects the brain, ear and voice.

  • LANGUAGE

The Tomatis® Method promotes effective perception of the fundamental sounds of language and helps with language disorders, by instantly modulating the voice of the individual and transmitting it via air and bone conduction.

  • EMOTIONAL REGULATION

The Tomatis® Method acts on the limbic system (middle part of the brain) to which, the hearing system is linked. Amongst others, the limbic system is responsible for mechanisms of emotion, memory and learning. As such, the Tomatis Method can be utilised in the regulation of emotional disorders related to Depression, Anxiety and Stress.

  • MOTOR SKILLS & COORDINATION

By promoting the transmission of deep and rhythmic sounds, the Tomatis® Method acts directly on the vestibule creating a positive effect on motor function, regulation of muscle tone and homeostasis. Further to this, it intervenes naturally on auditory laterality, coordinating left and right movements.