The Tomatis® Method was developed by Dr Alfred Tomatis (1920-2001), an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) physician. He devoted a considerable part of his career to studying the relationship between the ear and the voice, and by extension, between listening and communication. On the basis of his research, Dr. Tomatis made a distinction between hearing and listening and emphasized the interconnections of the ear, brain, and body. His discoveries were validated at the physiology laboratory of the Sorbonne and were presented to the Academy of Sciences and Academy of Medicine in Paris in 1957 and 1960. 

• Developmental disorders – such as ASD & ADHD 
• Auditory Processing
• Anxiety Disorders
• Attention, Focus, Memory
• Sensory Integration
• Delays in Reading and Writing
• Down Syndrome
• Learning Disorders: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Asperger, Apraxia, etc.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Emotion Regulation
• Stress
• Stressful pregnancies 

The reason for such a variety of applications is very simple: the ear is the most powerful sensory integrator of the human body, it is the main gateway to the brain. It is through its action in the sensory message, which our ear perceives; that we manage to stimulate the brain effectively in order to develop its various capacities. 

Extensive academic research on the matter validates its beneficial action in each of these fields as diverse as they may be. In order to optimize results, this sensory stimulation is best used as an addition to a therapeutic or educational intervention. 

Hearing and listening are not the same. Hearing is a function of the ear. It is the passive reception of sound. Listening, as a function of the brain, is the active participation in what one hears. Someone may have good hearing yet may be a poor listener. Listening is the ability to use one’s hearing voluntarily and attentively for the purpose of learning and communicating. 

Listening is therefore a high-level cognitive function that implies the ability to manage emotions. It is more than passive reception of sound that depends on a functioning auditory system. The ear plays a unique and critical role in our day-to-day lives. If sensory information transmitted by the ear is misinterpreted by the brain, listening is disrupted; we have distorted listening. This distortion is related to dysfunction or weakening of the two muscles of the middle ear, their role being to ensure the harmonious transmission of sound to the inner ear and brain. When the sensory message is distorted, the brain protects itself by triggering mechanisms that confuse listening. 

Distorted, dysfunctional listening can result from genetics, a difficult pregnancy or birth, early childhood illnesses, multiple ear infections, accidents, living near loud sounds, emotional trauma, and many other experiences that alter how a person processes sounds. Whenever this dysfunction occurs, the brain orders the ear to function less efficiently which then compounds the dysfunction. A variety of problems are associated with dysfunctional listening, such as learning difficulties, lack of comprehension, problems with attention, mistaking certain sounds as aggressive when they are not, to name just a few. 

Many clients have provided us with amazing testimonials that we can forward to you upon request. 

Some of the feedback include: 

1. For Kids with ASD, ADHD, after only 1 intensive, parents found a great improvement with concentration and sensory regulation and overall behaviour. 
2. For kids with ASD, a drastic improvement with speech and communication and body awareness. 
3. We have had one remarkable case of a child that has many development delays, in respect of speech and gross motor skills. Prior to the first intensive the child could not stand without assistance, and 3 weeks post intensive parents have noted that he has been able to stand on his own and is attempting to walk. 

• It requires a consultation with parent and child in order to create a tailor made listening program. 
• The sessions can be 40, 60 or 80 minutes depending on the age and circumstances of the individual. 
• It is a 14 day program that comprises of one listening session per day. The entire 14 day program is referred to as one intensive. 
• You usually see results after one intensive but for the best results three intensives for the year, can be life- changing. It is also best to not wait beyond the recommended waiting period for the second intensive, to capitalize on the stimulation of the brain.