What is Therapeutic Listening?

Therapeutic Listening is a therapy technique that combines the passive art of hearing (one does not actively pay attention to the sound) and the active art of listening (actively focusing attention on sound).
The vestibulocochlear system is effected by both sound and movement. Thus, combining Sensory Integration (SI) therapy and Therapeutic Listening is a great way to mature this system. The vestibular system organizes and interprets the timing of movement while the cochlear system organizes and interprets the timing of sound. Once a child is better able to perceive the timing aspects of sound and movement, they are able to better navigate through the environment and “tune into” and interpret what is going on around them. Like traditional SI therapy, Therapeutic Listening sets up the nervous system and body for new skills to emerge as it begins to interpret and integrate new sensory information in a functional way.

What are the benefits of Therapeutic Listening?

The changes and benefits of completing a Therapeutic Listening program vary for each child. However, changes could be seen in the following areas:

Increased ability to attend and focus
Improved receptive and expressive language
Increased processing speed for movement and language
Improved balance and coordination
Increased awareness of the environment
Overall improved sensory processing
Increased range of affective expression
Increased self-initiation of verbal interaction

Who would benefit from Therapeutic Listening?

Children who have difficulty Attending to task, Articulation difficulties, Apraxia, Dyspraxia, Social Language difficulties, Handwriting problems, and Dysfunction of Sensory Integration

Please call ABC Pediatric Therapy Network at (513) 755-6600 to receive additional information about Listening program.