The Listening Program
Therapy Services
Programs
This music-based auditory stimulation program is designed to improve auditory skills so an individual can more effectively listen, learn and communicate.
The Listening Program’s psychoacoustically modified music and patent-pending production techniques 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 our lives such as music, language and the environment in which we live.
Specific Frequencies for Specific Functions
The Listening Program combines decades of clinical research in several fields, including neurology, physiology, psychoacoustics, auditory processing, music theory and more. The method builds on the work of respected leaders in these fields, such as ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician Alfred A. Tomatis, M.D. (1920-2001). Among other discoveries, Dr. Tomatis helped identify the relationship between certain sound frequencies and their effect on functions of the mind and body. A simplified explanation of Dr. Tomatis’ findings shows that certain bands, or zones, of sound frequencies affect different abilities:
Zone One
Sensory Integration
(lower frequency sounds)
- Balance
- Rhythm
- Coordination
- Muscle Tone
- Body Awareness
- Sense of Direction
- Laterality
- Right/Left Discrimination
Zone Two
Speech and Language
(mid and higher frequency sounds)
- Memory
- Concentration
- Attention
- Speech
- Language
- Vocal Control
Zone Three
High Spectrum
(higher frequency sounds)
- Energy
- Intuition
- Ideas
- Ideals
- Spirituality
- Creativity
- Auditory Cohesion
TLP is designed to address these zones, systematically providing auditory stimulation that, when customized for listeners by TLP Providers, can help improve their ability to function in a number of ways.
TLP Treatment Categories
Sensory Integration - Targets the first zone (lower frequencies) to stimulate functions such as balance, coordination, motor skills and more.
Full Spectrum - Provides a kind of overall “organizing” experience.
Speech & Language - Emphasizes the mid to higher frequencies to stimulate the brain's abilities for memory, attention, vocal control and more.
High Spectrum - Focuses on the higher frequencies that impact creativity, intuition, energy and more.
After an initial client intake, TLP Providers will determine an appropriate, individual listening plan. Generally, listeners will use TLP once or twice a day for 15 minutes, five days a week. The initial listening plan will take place over the course of at least a few months, followed by maintenance listening to build on specific benefits. As TLP Providers monitor progress, they will often make adjustments throughout the listening plan to meet individual needs.
Whatever the listening schedule, consistency on the part of the listener is critical. For lasting change, casual exposure to auditory stimulation will not produce results. The brain must be frequently and repetitively presented with specific auditory stimulation, with the right intensity, and for a sufficient duration of time for effective change.
Jayne Larson,MS.,CCC-SLP is a certified provider of The Listening Program.
To find out more about The Listening Program visit their website here.
