Therapeutic Listening Tools at Reach for Speech
Did you know that our occupational therapy department has an awesome program called Therapeutic Listening?
Therapeutic Listening is a sound-based intervention program that can be used with individuals of all ages who have a variety of sensory processing difficulties. Our therapists use specifically designed tracks that are altered to highlight low and high sound frequencies to stimulate the auditory sensory system. The music is delivered through special headphones that help highlight these sound frequencies. This altered music helps to stimulate an individual’s nervous system and various areas of the brain that are used for the processing of sensory information. This access to the nervous system can help affect change throughout the rest of the body!
Therapeutic Listening can help with a whole host of difficulties that our OT’s address. These include, poor attention, difficulties interacting with peers, difficulties with transitioning or changes to routine, difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication, struggles with sleep, struggles with bowel and bladder control, difficulties with eating, and so much more!
There is a plethora of music, each to pinpoint different task outcomes (attention, arousal, communication, homeostatic functions, breathing, core strength, postural control, bilateral integration, motor planning, etc.). It is highly adaptable and can be used for almost anyone. The music has different frequencies and instruments that will provide different sensory information to trigger these responses. The music works through the auditory system which connects to the brain and the other parts of the nervous system including the proprioceptive system and the vestibular system.
Our of our wonderful OT’s, Miss Emma, participated in a specialized training for this software earlier this year. She explained that the music is only one part of the puzzle; the child also has to be participating in sensory integration treatment and working to strengthen the core.
Miss Emma has been quick to put this tool to use with many of her patients who struggle with auditory processing and other difficulties. For Example, one of her go-to albums for kids who just can't seem to stay on task is an album that targets more of the proprioceptive system. The music is comprised of lots of rhythm and heavy beats and percussion to give a grounding feeling to the body and nervous system. Pairing this music with some heavy work activates prior to, or during, a seated activity can greatly impact the child's attention in a positive way!
Miss Emma, our resident therapeutic listening expert!
One of Miss Emma’s patients is pictured here during a Therapeutic Listening session, having a great time on the swing while working through her therapeutic listening plan.
We are so proud to offer this cutting-edge program and are excited to add this to our constantly growing therapeutic toolkit. When our therapists are highly trained in current developments and new techniques in their fields, we know the standard of care that they provide to our families will continue to rise!
If you are interested in our Therapeutic Listening program, please speak to your occupational therapist at Reach for Speech, or call us today for an evaluation!