The Tomatis Method is based on the principle that the muscles in the ear can be trained to improve hearing and listening skills. Once hearing is modified, talking will follow.
Founded:
Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis (1920-2001)
Overall Philosophy:
The Tomatis Method is founded on three “laws:”
- When our ears do not hear certain sounds, our voice does not contain them, either.
- If we modify the hearing, the voice changes immediately.
- The muscles in the ear can be trained, and it is possible to restore someone’s hearing and voice through this training.
In the therapy, music (Gregorian Chants, Mozart, even a recording of a mother’s voice) is played. Low-frequency sounds are amplified, then high-frequency sounds are amplified, and this serves to stretch and relax the muscle of the inner ear. This process is called “gating” and is one of the functions of a machine Tomatis developed called the “electronic ear.”
Popularity:
The program was tested on 400 children and adolescents. 95% of the parents responded that the program will help their children. In a follow-up assessment six months later, 83% of the parents reported that the children had maintained the improvements and/or had made further gains.
Time Required for the Treatment:
Program is tailored for individual clients. The length of time it takes to complete the program depends on the nature, length and severity of the problem as well as the response of the client to the program. The average program consists of three blocks, approximately 70 hours total.
Treatment Cost:
The treatment is delivered by a trained Tomatis Practitioner; costs vary.
Who Directs the Treatment?
The treatment is directed by a trained Tomatis Practitioner.
Where Does the Treatment Take Place?
Not determined
Training Materials Needed:
Training materials are specific to the needs of the child. Assessments should be made by a trained individual to determine if the program will be effective prior to purchasing any materials. *NOTE* It is possible to purchase CDs that claim to use the Tomatis Method. These materials are not always trustworthy.
How is Success Determined?
To track progress, a listening test is performed for every 15 hours of the program. This test is followed by a short interview or counseling session (if needed) to summarize what has been achieved and to explore reactions, thoughts and feelings of the client. We always ask clients to let us know when they experience reactions that may result from the program. The test results and the feedback are very important because they may lead to changes and furthering tailoring of the program.
We also encourage parents (or adult clients) to chart their children’s progress by keeping a journal or writing a short report to summarize their observations during each period of the program. We have adults who keep a diary throughout the program, which deepens and intensifies their therapeutic process.
Website:
http://www.tomatis.com
Biggest Success Story:
Autistic children are assaulted by sounds – and because they listen with their entire body, the sound goes directly to their brains without being filtered. The Tomatis Method trains children to listen with their ears to allow for the sound to be filtered. Over time, autistic children lose their hypersensitivity to sound – both incoming sounds and the sound of their own voices.
Main Concern:
While there are many centers that instruct in the Tomatis Method, it is still limited to only a certain number of cities.