Integrated Listening Systems Learning Program
Defining Minds
The integration of our visual, auditory and balance sysytems lays the foundation for:
- Learning Abilities
- Sensory Processing
- Memory, Organization, Concentration
By “exercising” these underlying neural systems, iLs’ sound and movement programs bring about lasting improvements in our learning, attention and processing abilities. Building upon the psychoacoustic techniques originally developed in Europe and further refined over the past 8 years in the U.S. by Dynamic Listening Systems (DLS), iLs programs combine auditory stimulation with balance, movement and visual motor activities
Science – How iLs Works
At first glance, it appears as if our ears, our eyes and inner ear (balance) work independently – and that they have their own discreet neurological pathways that co-ordinate, or manage, each individual function.
This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Each of these three systems talks to and receives information from the other two systems at all times. The elaborate communication system between these three major senses must be coordinated smoothly and efficiently for optimal functioning to occur. This communication is achieved through what is called an integrated system: auditory, visual and vestibular (balance).
Can we change the functionality of the brain?
Yes, the ability of the brain to change is known as neuroplasticity (also called brain plasticity, or brain malleability). It is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. For example, if one hemisphere of the brain is damaged, the intact hemisphere may take over some of its functions. The brain compensates for damage in effect by reorganizing and forming new connections between intact neurons. In order to reconnect, the neurons need to be stimulated through activity. The same is true for parts of the brain compensating for injury or disease.
Why combine movement, listening, and visual stimulation?
The 3 systems are vital to our ability to learn, pay attention, process information, and coordinate movement. As these 3 systems are so interrelated, “exercising” them simultaneously is a holistic approach which requires the brain to become better at integrating multi-sensory information. We are essentially re-training the brain to become more efficient and effective, and in the process strengthening neural connections to improve performance.
Why is the repetition of iLs activities important?
As newborns we gradually progressed from involuntary reflexive movements to more voluntary coordinated movements which, as we repeated them, became automatic. Research has shown that the cerebellum part of the brain plays an important role in this “automation” process, and when it is not doing its job well we have difficulty building patterns for further development in learning and coordination.
The cerebellum (lower back side of the brain, near the brain stem) can be likened to a powerful computer processor, transferring vast amounts of information to the movement, language, reasoning, sensory, and emotion parts of the brain; its role is so important that it contains more nerve cells than the rest of the brain combined.
iLs programs stimulate cerebellar activity to strengthen neural connections and, in the process, improve our ability to make skills such as reading, writing, spelling, etc. automatic.
iL’s programs effectively “re-train” parts of the brain involved in learning, communicating and moving. Combining an auditory program with specific visual and balance activities, iLs strengthens neurological pathways and improves our ability to learn and to process information.
The three main systems for organizing sensory input- visual, auditory and balance (vestibular) – are highly interrelated. Exercising all three simultaneously is holistic approach which can help people of an age feel sharper, more focused, and self confident.
Who can benefit?
iLs programs directly affect our sensory systems thereby influencing a broad spectrum of our day-to-day functions. iLs is most often used to improve the following concerns:
- Learning difficulties-reading, writing, cognitive functions
- Visual/auditory processing
- Concentration & memory
- Balance/coordination
Other areas where iLs is successful include the recovery of executive functions after head injuries, improving emotional well-being, and helping children on the autistic spectrum.
How Long is the program?
iLs clinic programs very from 15 to 40 sessions in length. Sessions are typically 45-80 minutes each, with a frequency schedule of 3-5 times per week. Some clinic programs intermix home sessions to achieve the required frequency.
