| About 40 years ago, Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis, a French Ear,
Nose and Throat specialist,
made some astonishing discoveries which led to the development of the
Tomatis Method. This method goes by different names: "auditory
training," "auditory stimulation," and "listening therapy." Its
purpose is to re-educate the way we listen, to improve learning and
language abilities, communication, creativity, and social behavior. |
| The Tomatis Method has helped thousands of children with
auditory processing problems, dyslexia, learning disabilities,
attention deficit disorders, autism, and those with sensory integration
and motor-skills difficulties. It
has helped adults fight depression, learn foreign languages faster,
develop better communication skills, and improve creativity and
on-the-job performance. Many musicians, singers, and actors have
been able to fine-tune their
skills by using the Tomatis Method. Finally, many clients report
psychological gains: improved self-confidence, higher levels of
energy and motivation, greater clarify of mind, and a sense of
well-being. |
| Today, the Tomatis Method is used in over 250 Tomatis
Centers worldwide. They are directed by certified specialists
from the fields of psychology, medicine, education, speech therapy,
occupational therapy, and music. |
| The Listening ProgramTM is based on Dr.
Tomatis'
theories in a more simplified protocol. Ideally, attending a
Tomatis
Center is more intensive therapy and involves additional treatments
which
can only be used under the direct supervision of a practitioner trained
in the
Tomatis method. Doing The Listening
ProgramTM is the next-best thing -- it can also be used effectively
as a kick-start or a follow-up to attending a Tomatis Center. |
Read
more about Dr. Tomatis' theories and discoveries
|
Here is a catalog of auditory-related skills. You can use it as a
checklist. There is no "score," simply check as many boxes as you
feel appropriate. |
Developmental history
This knowledge is extremely important in early identification and
prevention of listening problems. It also sheds light on the
possible causes.
__ a stressful pregnancy
__ difficult birth
__ adoption
__ early separation from the mother
__ delay in motor development
__ delay in language development
__ recurring ear infections |
Receptive listening
This is the listening that is directed outward. It keeps us
attuned to the world around us, to what's going on at home, at work or
in the classroom.
__ short attention span
__ distractibility
__ oversensitivity to sounds
__ misinterpretation of questions
__ confusion of similar-sounding words
__ frequent need for repetition
__ inability to follow sequential instructions |
Expressive listening
This is the listening that is directed within. We use it to
control our voice when we speak and sing.
__ flat and monotonous voice
__ hesitant speech
__ weak vocabulary
__ poor sentence structure
__ overuse of stereotyped expressions
__ inability to sing in tune
__ confusion or reversal of letters
__ poor reading comprehension
__ poor reading aloud
__ poor spelling
__ difficulty learning foreign languages |
Motor skills
The ear of the body (the vestibule), which controls balance,
coordination, and body image, also needs close attention.
__ poor posture
__ fidgety behavior
__ clumsy, uncoordinated movements
__ poor sense of rhythm
__ messy handwriting
__ hard time with organization, structure
__ confusion of left and right
__ mixed dominance
__ poor sports skills |
The level of energy
The ear acts as a dynamo, providing us with the energy we need to
survive and lead fulfilling lives.
__ difficulty getting up
__ habit of procrastinating
__ hyperactivity
__ tendency toward depression
__ feeling overburdened with everyday tasks |
Behavior and social adjustment
A listening difficulty is often related to these:
__ low tolerance for frustration
__ poor self-confidence
__ shyness
__ anxiety
__ difficulty making friends
__ tendency to withdraw, avoid others
__ irritability
__ immaturity
__ low motivation, no interest in school / work
__ negative attitude toward school / work |
Check out info from
the
National
Academy of Child Development (NACD)
|
