Sound Therapy
Albert Tomatis - Listening & Learning - Theories - Research - Sound Therapy
The Listening Checklist
This checklist, developed by Canadian Tomatis practitioner, Paul Madaule, offers a catalog of abilities, skills or qualities that will enable you to assess whether you or your child may have a listening problem.
Developmental History
This knowledge about our younger years is extremely important in early identification and prevention of listening problems. It also sheds light on possible causes of listening problems.
q A stressful pregnancy
q Difficult birth
q Adoption
q Early separation from the mother
q Delay in motor development
q Delay in language development
q Recurring ear infections
Receptive Listening: Our external environment
This type of listening is directed outward to the world around us. It keeps us attuned to what’s going on at home, at work, in the classroom or with friends.
q Short attention span
q Distractibility
q Over-sensitivity to sounds
q Misinterpretation of questions
q Confusion of similar-sounding words
q Frequent need for repetition
q Inability to follow sequential instructions
Expressive Listening: Our internal atmosphere
This is the kind of listening that is directed within us. We use it to listen to ourselves and to gauge and control our voice when we speak and sing.
q Flat and monotonous voice
q Hesitant speech
q Weak vocabulary
q Poor sentence structure
q Overuse of stereotyped expressions
q Inability to sing in tune
q Confusion or reversal of letters
q Poor reading comprehension
q Poor reading aloud
q Poor spelling
Motor Skills: Our physical abilities
The ear of the body (the vestibule), which controls balance, muscle and eye coordination and body image needs close scrutiny also.
q Poor posture
q Fidgety behavior
q Clumsy, uncoordinated movements
q Poor sense of rhythm
q Messy handwriting
q Hard time with organization and structure
q Confusion of left and rights
q Mixed dominance of hands
q Poor sports skills
The Level of Energy: Our fuel system
The ear acts like a dynamo (a powerful motor), providing us with the brain energy we need to not only to survive but also to lead fulfilling lives.
q Difficulty getting up
q Tiredness at the end of the day
q Habit of procrastinating
q Hyperactivity
q Tendency toward depression
q Feeling overburdened with everyday tasks
Behavioral and Social Adjustment: Our relationship skills
A listening difficulty is often related to these qualities of interacting with others.
q Low tolerance for frustration
q Poor self-confidence
q Poor self-image
q Shyness
q Difficulty making friends
q Tendency to withdraw or to avoid others
q Irritability
q Anxiety
q Immaturity
q Low motivation, no interest in school/work
q Negative attitude toward school/work
