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Clinic Services
Therapeutic Listening
This is a type of therapy that uses altered music played over headphones with the intent of affecting “how” the sound is heard and processed. Within the ear there are two systems that are directly affected by sound- the cochlea or the hearing apparatus and the vestibular system which tells you the location of your body in space. There are also many systems indirectly affected by sound- the vagus nerve, which is in control or the functions of the gut and the limbic system which regulates emotion are just a few. Specific areas of possible benefit include (Stehli, 1991):
- Attention and focus
- Self initiation or purposeful activity
- Arousal or sensory modulation
- Balance or movement perception
- Gravitational insecurity
- Speech and language
- Praxis and sequencing
- Eye control
Other changes frequently observed:
- Decreased sensitivity to sound
- More regulated eating and sleeping cycles
- Increased bowel and bladder control
This program is done 1-2 times during the child’s day with each session lasting from 5-30 minutes. The duration of a therapeutic listening program can be from 3 weeks to many months. We closely monitor changes that the child is making and adjust the program accordingly. During “listening periods” children can be engaged in a variety of activities from playing to other sensory-based activities.