Prof. Alfred Tomatis therapy
Tomatis therapy is a hearing training during which the child listens to music of concrete frequencies. Mozart’s compositions and Gregorian chants are processed through a special device, called an „electronic ear”. Before each stage of the therapy, the child undergoes an examination during which it becomes clear which frequencies should be stimulated, what types of sound the child does not hear and what sounds he/she cannot discriminate. Tomatis therapy is meant for children and adults who have problems with speech, concentration, emotions, coordination, balance and who experience learning difficulties.
Before starting the treatment the child goes through a special diagnosis which specifies what frequencies should be the main focus of attention and which bands should be stimulated. Next, the child is given auditory stimulation through both aerial and bone channel – because this is how we hear. During the first 30-hour stage the child listens to music for 2 or 2,5 hours a day. Stages that follow, involve both listening to music and active work with a microphone. The child listens to his/her voice, modified by the electronic ear, does exercises or just talks or sings songs. All successive stages are comprised of 15 hours of listening to music and active work with a microphone, every day for 2 or 2,5 hours.
How does the Tomatis Method therapy improve auditory attention in children?
The Tomatis Method is an auditory therapy developed by the French physician and phoniatrist Alfred Tomatis. This therapy focuses on improving auditory perception by activating and training the auditory muscles, which are responsible for receiving sounds and sensitivity to sounds of various frequencies.
Auditory attention refers to a child's ability to focus attention on sounds and understand speech. It is believed that Tomatis therapy can help improve children's auditory attention by stimulating and training the auditory muscles, which leads to better reception and understanding of sounds and speech.
During Tomatis therapy, the child listens to specially selected music or recordings that are modified in terms of frequency, volume, and tempo. These changes are intended to activate the auditory muscles and stimulate the brain, which may lead to improved auditory perception and auditory attention.
Studies on Tomatis therapy in children with attention disorders, such as ADHD, have shown that this therapy can help improve attention and concentration. This therapy may also help children with learning difficulties, as well as children with delayed speech and language development.
It is important to remember, however, that the Tomatis therapy is not a panacea and may not work for all children. Before deciding to start therapy, it is recommended to consult a doctor or therapist to determine if this is the appropriate therapy method for the child.
What does Tomatis therapy help with?
Tomatis therapy is used in the treatment of various problems related to auditory perception, including:- Attention disorders, such as ADHD
- Delays in speech and language development
- Learning difficulties, including dyslexia
- Problems with motor coordination and balance
- Sensory disorders, including auditory hypersensitivity
- Emotional and behavioral disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
The Tomatis Method and learning problems
Tomatis therapy can help with learning problems because by stimulating the auditory muscles and training auditory perception, it can improve the child's ability to receive and process auditory information, which is essential for learning and speech development.
Children who have learning difficulties may have auditory perception disorders that hinder their understanding of speech and reception of sounds. Tomatis therapy can help improve this perception, leading to better concentration and more effective processing of auditory information, which in turn may affect better academic results.
Furthermore, Tomatis therapy can help reduce the symptoms of dyslexia, such as difficulties with reading, writing, and text comprehension, by improving auditory perception and increasing auditory attention. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress associated with learning difficulties.
It is important to emphasize, however, that Tomatis therapy is not the only solution and does not work for every child with learning difficulties. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or therapist to determine the best treatment method for the child.
Can the Tomatis Method help in learning foreign languages?
Tomatis therapy can help in learning foreign languages by improving auditory perception and increasing auditory attention. By improving auditory perception, the child can better receive and process the sounds of the foreign language, which in turn can affect better results in language learning.
Furthermore, Tomatis therapy can help reduce the language barrier and improve the child's pronunciation, which is especially important in learning foreign languages.
However, it is important to remember that Tomatis therapy is not the only solution and does not work for every child. It is also important to remember that learning foreign languages also requires regular practice and effort on the part of the learner. Tomatis therapy can be helpful but will not replace disciplined work and foreign language study.
Is the Tomatis Method recommended for pregnant women?
There is no clear answer to this question, as the effects of Tomatis therapy on pregnant women have not been sufficiently studied. For this reason, this therapy is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless advised by a doctor or specialist.
Because the Tomatis method uses modified sounds that affect the auditory muscles and the brain, there is a risk that these modified sounds may affect the fetus or infant. For this reason, caution should be exercised and a doctor or specialist should be consulted before starting any auditory therapy, including Tomatis therapy, during pregnancy or lactation.
Is Tomatis therapy recommended for children with epilepsy?
Tomatis therapy is not recommended for children with epilepsy because this method uses modified sounds that may affect brain activity. There is a risk that these modified sounds may trigger seizures in children with epilepsy or increase the risk of epileptic attacks.
For this reason, before starting any auditory therapy, including Tomatis therapy, you should always consult a doctor or specialist, especially if the child has a history of epilepsy or other neurological disorders.
In the case of children with epilepsy, it is recommended to use therapeutic methods that have been specially developed and tested for this patient group to avoid potential complications or worsening of disease symptoms.
Is Tomatis therapy a good therapy for children with autism?
Tomatis therapy may be one of many therapeutic methods used in the treatment of children with autism. Although there are reports of positive results in some cases, the effectiveness of this method in treating autism is controversial, and there is insufficient research to unambiguously confirm its effectiveness.
Nevertheless, Tomatis therapy can help improve auditory perception, increase auditory attention, and improve verbal communication in children with autism, which can positively influence the child's overall development.
However, it is always important to consult a doctor or therapist before starting any therapy for a child with autism. Tomatis therapy may not be suitable for some children due to individual therapeutic needs and/or other diseases or disorders. There are also many other therapeutic methods that are effective in treating autism, and a doctor or therapist can recommend the best treatment method for the child.
Is this a good therapy for hyperactive children?
Tomatis therapy may be one of many therapeutic methods used in the treatment of hyperactive children, such as those with ADHD. Although there are reports of positive results in some cases, the effectiveness of this method in treating hyperactivity is controversial, and there is insufficient research to unambiguously confirm its effectiveness.
Nevertheless, Tomatis therapy can help improve auditory perception, increase auditory attention, and reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, such as difficulty concentrating and impulsivity. Hyperactive children often have difficulty concentrating, and Tomatis therapy can help improve this ability, which may lead to a reduction in behavioral problems.
However, it is always important to consult a doctor or therapist before starting any therapy for a hyperactive child. Tomatis therapy may not be suitable for some children due to individual therapeutic needs and/or other diseases or disorders. There are also many other therapeutic methods that are effective in treating hyperactivity, and a doctor or therapist can recommend the best treatment method for the child.
How does Tomatis therapy affect disorders in motor coordination and balance?
Tomatis therapy can help improve motor coordination and balance by stimulating the auditory muscles and the brain, which can improve sensory perception and integration. Children with motor coordination and balance disorders often have difficulty controlling body movements and maintaining balance, which can affect their ability to perform daily activities.
Tomatis therapy can help by activating the auditory muscles, which can influence improved motor control and coordination. By training auditory perception and sensory integration, this therapy can also help improve balance, which can lead to better performance of motor tasks.
However, it is important to remember that Tomatis therapy is not the only solution and may not work for all children with motor coordination and balance disorders. It is also important to consult a doctor or specialist before starting therapy and choose the best treatment method for the child.
How does the Tomatis Method affect sensory disorders?
Tomatis therapy can help in the treatment of sensory disorders by stimulating the auditory muscles and the brain, which can influence improved sensory perception and integration. Children with sensory disorders often have difficulty processing sensory information, such as sounds, smells, and touch, which can affect their ability to function in daily life.
Tomatis therapy can help by training auditory perception and sensory integration, which can improve the child's ability to process auditory and other sensory information. By stimulating the auditory muscles, this therapy can also help reduce auditory hypersensitivity, which is a common symptom of sensory disorders.
However, it is important to remember that Tomatis therapy is not the only solution and may not work for all children with sensory disorders. It is also important to consult a doctor or specialist before starting therapy and choose the best treatment method for the child.
