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Neuroscience: Tomatis® Auditory Retraining Program
Reconnecting Ear, Brain and Body Through Sound
Starts from $180 with Assessments
The Tomatis® Neurosensory Program stands as a groundbreaking educational approach to neurological integration and sensory processing. This specialised auditory training methodology works by retraining the connections between the ear, brain, and body, creating pathways for improved communication and function throughout the nervous system.
How Does this Work Exactly?
The Tomatis® method utilises filtered sound stimulation through a sophisticated electronic device called the Electronic Ear. This proprietary technology delivers modified music (typically Mozart compositions and Gregorian chants) through specialised headphones that feature both air and bone conduction transmission.
Key components of the program include:
Dynamic Filtering that alternates between emphasising high and low frequencies
Electronic Gating that creates contrasts in sound intensity to stimulate auditory attention
Bone Conduction that bypasses traditional hearing pathways to directly stimulate the inner ear
What Are the Benefits Across its Lifespan?
This powerful neurosensory intervention supports individuals of all ages experiencing challenges with:
- Auditory Processing – Enhancing the brain's ability to interpret and make meaning from sound, language, communication
- Balance and Coordination – Improving vestibular function, proprioception and motor planning
- Emotional Regulation – Supporting nervous system stability and resilience
- Cognitive Development – Boosting attention, memory, and language processing
- Psychosocial Recovery – Facilitating healing from emotional trauma and stress
Yes, the Tomatis® Method neurosensory program is safe. It's a natural approach to neurosensory stimulation that works non-invasively through specially designed listening programs. The method uses modified music and voice to stimulate the brain through the auditory system.
Neurodevelopmental conditions occur when the brain's natural development is disrupted or altered, creating functional disconnections between brain regions that should normally communicate efficiently.
Common Developmental Brain Conditions include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Characterized by challenges in social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviours
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) - Marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
- Dyslexia - Difficulty with accurate/fluent word recognition and poor spelling/decoding abilities
- Sensory Processing Disorder - Difficulty processing and responding to sensory information
- Developmental Coordination Disorder - Impaired development of motor coordination
- Language and Speech Disorders - Delayed or disordered development of language skills
Most of these come under the umbrella term Functional Disconnection Syndrome (FDS), which refers to a neurological condition where different regions of the brain are not communicating effectively with each other. Unlike structural damage, this is primarily a connectivity issue, which often manifests as:
- Imbalanced development between left and right brain hemispheres
- Inefficient neural networks between specific brain regions
- Altered timing in neural transmission
- Disruptions in sensory integration pathways
The Tomatis® Neurosensory Program offered at GC Wellness Centre addresses these by:
- Retraining Neural Pathways - Using specialised sound frequencies to stimulate specific neural pathways and promote communication between brain regions
- Addressing Root Causes - Rather than merely managing symptoms, it targets the underlying neural disconnections
- Promoting Neuroplasticity - Facilitates the brain's natural ability to form new connections and reorganise existing ones
- Integrating Multiple Sensory Systems - Particularly focused on the auditory system's connection to balance, coordination, and cognitive functions
The number of sessions varies based on your individual needs.
After conducting a listening assessment, your Tomatis® licensed professional (Aknes Kendra, PhD) establishes a personalised program with sessions tailored to your specific profile. The program typically includes both "passive" sessions (listening) and "active" sessions (reading and voice exercises).
Typically it is recommended to have at least 3 consecutive program which will last approximately 6 months.
90% of people will start their program with a comprehensive frequency (listening) assessment.
This goes beyond standard hearing tests.
Aknes often describes this as an "audiogram on steroids," as it evaluates how effectively the left and right brain hemispheres are optimised and communicating with each other.
This assessment serves as the foundation for personalised psychoacoustic intervention.
Simply listening to Mozart on regular headphones doesn't provide the same benefits because:
- The Tomatis® Method uses a specialised device called TalksUp® that adjusts the filtration of frequencies, timbre and intensity of music and voice according to specific parameters
- It incorporates unique features like "Electronic Gating®" - a non-invasive procedure creating sound contrasts with sudden transitions between low and high frequencies, which produces a stimulation effect that regular music playback doesn't provide
- The method uses specialised headsets that transmit sound through both traditional earphones (air conduction) AND bone vibration (bone conduction) when connected to the TalksUp®
- During active sessions, your voice is processed in real-time to work on the auditory feedback loop, which isn't possible with standard equipment
These technological elements create specific neurological stimulation that cannot be replicated by simply listening to music on regular devices.
Hear from the Experts!
The Science Behind Psychoacoustic Retraining
Psychoacoustic retraining represents a fascinating intersection of neuroscience, audiology, and psychology. This therapeutic approach leverages our understanding of the profound connections between hearing, brain function, and overall well-being.
The Tomatis® Method: Pioneering Work
Dr. Alfred Tomatis, a French physician and ENT specialist, developed groundbreaking work in the 1950s that established the foundation for modern psychoacoustic interventions. His research revealed that auditory concerns were rarely isolated issues but typically accompanied by wider neurological and psychological effects.
The Tomatis Method works on the principle that the ear isn't merely for hearing — it's intricately connected to the brain and nervous system, influencing various aspects of human development and behaviour. Tomatis created a technique to integrate developmental and behavioural aspects by stimulating neural pathways.
The science behind psychoacoustic retraining focuses on what can be termed the "neuropsychology of sound training." This approach recognises that:
- Sound processing affects brain integration across multiple regions
- Neural plasticity allows for retraining of auditory pathways
- Vestibular stimulation through the ear affects balance, coordination, and spatial awareness
Research has demonstrated that sound stimulation provides valuable remediation and developmental training for people of all ages, based on 50+ years of experience with the Tomatis® Method.
Neurophysiological Effects
This study focused on audiometric indicators and behavioural improvement, elucidating the mechanisms behind the training’s success. Behavioural improvements might stem from Tomatis® frequency selectivity, reshaping auditory organ-cortical feedback loops to filter interference and focus on valid information.
Language Deficits from Covid-19
This literature review of 58 studies was undertaken to summarise findings on the benefits of the Tomatis® method. While language and speech were some of the greatest benefits observed, the studies also highlighted improvements in state of mind, academic performance, cognitive ability, motor skills and coordin-ation, focus, social skills, laterality and self-regulation.
Complementary HBOT & Tomatis®
Many therapeutic and dietary regimens have been studied for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the last three decades. This paper aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and Tomatis® sound therapy (TST) in an Egyptian cohort of children with ASD. The study provides some evidence of the benefit of combination therapy for children with ASD.
Mental Health in Adults
24 adults were selected from a rehabilitation center and a protected workshop of the Lebenshilfe in Austria. Results showed Tomatis® re-training improved communication ability and motor response rapidly. Also there was an reduction in breathing rate and increase in heart rate variability.
Tomatis® Neurosensory Program experiences at GC Wellness Centre are offered as approaches to wellness and self-discovery rather than as medical treatments for specific conditions. These sessions are designed to complement your overall wellness journey and provide opportunities for relaxation, stress reduction, and personal growth.
More Frequently Asked Questions
About Tomatis® Neurosensory Program
The cost varies between Tomatis professionals based on factors such as:
- Geographic location
- Practitioner's specialty and training
- Type of support offered alongside the method
- Facility-related expenses
While price is important, it's recommended to first choose a professional whose specialty best aligns with your specific needs.
A standard Tomatis program consists of:
- Three training periods of 14 days each
- Daily sessions of up to 60-120 minutes (can be adjusted based on individual needs)
- 4-6 week breaks between training periods
- Initial passive sessions (listening to music) that gradually incorporate active sessions (speech exercises)
The program follows this structured approach to ensure proper integration and assimilation by the brain.
During sessions, you should:
- Engage in relaxing activities (drawing, puzzles, walking, etc.)
- Avoid watching screens (TV, computer, phone)
- Avoid eating or chewing gum
- Choose activities that are not stressful
For children, many find the sessions enjoyable as they're immersed in their own gentle sound universe.
The The Tomatis® Method differs from CD or tape-based programs in several key ways:
- Individualised approach: Programs are tailored to address specific auditory processing symptoms rather than following a "one size fits all" philosophy
- Uses bone conduction to desensitise how the body absorbs sounds
- Employs audio-vocal feedback through an Electronic Ear
- Professional-based setting with access to licensed practitioner throughout the program
- Utilises multiple complex parameters that cannot be reduced to a few simple elements
The Toronto Listening Center studied the impact of the Tomatis® Method on 400 children and adolescents with well-documented histories of learning problems, and a pattern of under-achievement on psycho-educational tests. The results of the study were based on a survey graded by the Tomatis® participants’ parents. Improvements were seen in the following areas:
- Communication (89%)
- Attention span (86%)
- Reading comprehension (85%)
- Frustration levels (80%)
- Quality of speech (74%)
- Memory (73%)
- Spelling (69%)
In a six-month follow up assessment with the original 400 parent survey participants, 83% of the children had maintained the improvements and/or had continued to make further gains. An additional 14% of the original 400 had maintained some of the gains. Only 3% maintained none of the improvements.
Progress is assessed through:
- Standardised pre-program and post-program testing
- Professional follow-up evaluations
- Client interviews to gather feedback
- Parent/client journaling to document observations
- The Tomatis Listening Test System (TLTS) and other assessment tools
These measurements help determine whether adjustments to the program are needed.
Yes. The Tomatis® Method works well in conjunction with:
- Occupational therapy
- Sensory integration therapy
- Speech therapy
- Psychotherapy (when emotional issues are present)
- Neuroscience coaching (which is offered by Aknes as a licensed practitioner)
Many practitioners note that the Tomatis program often accelerates progress in other therapies by improving the brain's ability to process sensory and emotional information.
No. The Tomatis Method is not a treatment for hearing loss or deafness. It addresses listening skills, not hearing ability. There's an important distinction between hearing (passively receiving sounds) and listening (actively analysing and processing sounds).
However, people with hearing loss of less than 80% can still benefit from the method to improve their listening capabilities. A visit to an ENT or audiologist is recommended before starting.
The timeline for observable changes varies by individual and depends on:
- Age of the client
- Nature and severity of the issues being addressed
- Any medications that might affect treatment
- Individual neural plasticity
Some people notice effects within days or weeks, while others may require the full program (approximately 70 hours) to see significant changes. The effects are designed to be sustainable long-term.
5 Cadence Avenue, Mermaid Waters
Gold Coast, 4218 Queensland, Australia
Reception Hours:
9am-4pm Monday-Saturday
Call 0458 500 001 for Bookings
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