The Integrated Listening auditory training program improves brain and body function by combining music and movement, harnessing the power of neuroplasticity. Specially treated music, delivered through air and bone conduction headphones, provides sensory input to the brain and body. The listener then receives additional sensory and motor input for body organization by engaging in a wide range of movement activities that are customizable for all levels and ages. Integrated Listening is based on the fact that we can change our brain at any age. Similar to building strength and endurance with physical exercise, we are able to build neurological pathways and synaptic activity through specific and repeated stimulation, a concept known as neuroplasticity that is the foundation of the science behind Integrated Listening.
The combined elements of Integrated Listening – music and movement – begin with building the foundational supports for body organization. As the body becomes organized, so does the brain. With increased organization the brain is able to process information from our environment, sustain attention and learn.
By addressing brain function at this foundational level, we are better able to become more mentally and emotionally resilient, more effective at school or work and potentially more socially adept. Examples include:
Dynamic balance, proprioceptive abilities improve – a child finally learns to ride a bicycle
Faster processing speed – student pays attention and catches on more quickly Eyes and ears are working together – third grader is now reading at grade level Gross and fine motor systems are integrated – handwriting improves
Emotions are controlled – no detention, more friends at school
Stronger working memory – better at math and reading comprehension Sustained attention – no longer distracting others and less impulsive
Who Benefits?
Clients who demonstrate delays and/or difficulties in any of the following areas:
Stress, feeling anxious, overwhelmed
Processing speed
Sensory Processing
Motor skills, balance
Concentration/Attention/Memory
Speech, language
Written expression & reading comprehension
Social communication, behavior
Neurons that fire together, wire together
Integrated Listening is based on the fact that we can change our brain – we can re-wire it through specific and repeated stimulation, a concept known as neuroplasticity. As in building strength and endurance with physical exercise, we are able to build neurological pathways and synaptic activity at any age.
How the Program Works
Integrated Listening auditory training programs provide simultaneous multisensory input to help develop new, and reinforce existing, neural pathways governing organization of the body and brain function.
Specially-treated music is delivered via air and bone conduction headphones, providing auditory input to the brain and sensory input to the body. Movement activities using the integration kit, customizable for all levels, provide additional sensory and motor input for body organization.
Finally, cognitive activities, added later, challenge the brain to process multiple pieces of simultaneous information, which is reflective of demands required of the brain in our day-to-day world.
The research gathered data on 29 children diagnosed with APD (auditory processing disorder) who completed a sensory motor program combined with Integrated Listening. Among the pre- and post-program results are the following:
Vestibular function: Pre-testing indicated 0 of the 29 children had intact vestibular processing skills measured by the PrN and functional skills. Post-testing showed all 29 in normal range.
Auditory Processing Skills: Post-intervention, 22 of the 29 children had auditory processing skills that were completely within normal limits in every area.
Medications: Seven of 29 children began this therapy on medication for attention-related concerns. By the end of the program, the medications for all 7 had all been discontinued.
ABR Binaural Summation: Pre-intervention ABR tests showed all 29 children had little difference between listening with one ear and listening with both ears (binaural summation). Post-intervention, all 29 tested in the normal range.
A variety of normed, standardized tests were used to assess 20 children with learning difficulties before and after Integrated Listening programs. The report includes each child’s pre- and post-program test scores as well as teacher and parent comments. Teachers involved in the program reported “significant improvement” in 19 of the 20 children. The criteria for “significant improvement” include at least one of the following: being transitioned from special education to regular education, having an IEP removed or overcoming a substantial behavioral challenge.
Once you purchase the Integrated Listening program you will receive an integration kit in the mail within 2-3 weeks that includes bone conduction headphones, along with balance board, bean bags, racquet balls, & hanging tennis ball. This equipment will be used during the sensory-motor activities. While waiting for your equipment to arrive, you will complete & return paperwork and receive a customized program with video & written instructions customized 100% to your child. When your kit arrives in the mail you'll be ready to start with music curated for your child's condition and movements to enhance co-activation of sensory & motor systems. Included within the initial purchase is your first month of listening.
Each month we'll progress your child's listening program along with their sensory-motor activities to continue challenging the brain to make optimal changes. The greatest benefit will be seen with listening 30 minutes/day, 5-6x/week.
The Integrated Listening System includes the following programs:
10-hour Calming Program
60-hour Sensory & Motor Program
40-hour Concentration & Attention Program
40-hour Reading & Auditory Processing Program
Two 24-hour Optimal Performance Programs
After initial purchase, access to the program is month-to-month with an additional fee
You've got questions. We've got answers.
With the original purchase you will receive an integration kit with balance pad, bean bags, balls, and bone conduction headphones to play the music.
You will receive access to a customized playlist for your child's needs & goals.
You will also receive a customized sensory-motor program that includes reflex integration exercises, balance exercises, vision exercises and core stability work.
Every 4-6 weeks we will re-assess and progress your child's sensory-motor program and music selection based on their progress.
After the initial month there is a $97/month fee to continue working with our Occupational Therapist which includes access to the playlists and a customized sensory-motor program.
For optimal changes, we recommend your child listen 3 hours per week. This can be done in 30 minutes/day, 5-6x/week or 3 days with 1 hour sessions.
During the listening your child will participate in their sensory-motor program for the beginning portion of listening, then can continue listening while relaxing or doing a preferred activity.
In regards to duration, this depends on where your child is starting and what their goals are. As we continue to see benefit, we will want to continue progressing their program to challenge their nervous system to create optimal changes in the brain.
Yes! The playlists are available for multiple family members to listen. It can get tricky if they are listening to the same playlist though - so be prepared to be organized.
If more than one family member needs a sensory-motor program, there will be an additional charge per person.
Many parents enjoy listening to the Calm playlists to stay in a relaxed, open state; and the Optimal Performance playlist to improve attention and focus needed for work.