History of Auditory Training

Pioneer Dr. Alfred Tomatis (1920–2001), an internationally known otolaryngologist and inventor, adapted electronically modified music by Mozart to target diverse disorders such as auditory processing problems, dyslexia, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, autism, as well as sensory integration and motor-skill difficulties. Dr. Guy Bérard (1916-2014), also an accomplished Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist, used Tomatis’ research success to develop the current educational approach to exercise the auditory system. Bérard believed that behavioural and cognitive problems often arose when an individual perceived sounds in a “differential” manner. This, he said, happens when individuals perceive certain frequencies far more acutely than other frequencies. Sounds thus appear to that person in a distorted manner. This often leads to difficulties in comprehension and behaviour. Bérard’s objective was to reduce distorted hearing and hypersensitivity of specific frequencies, so that after AIT, ideally all frequencies could be perceived in a more balanced way. This may help the individual to perceive environmental sounds, including speech, in a more normalised fashion.

Many children and adults with learning difficulties, attention deficit disorders, dyslexia, autism, and pervasive development delay have benefited from Auditory Integration Training (AIT). An estimated 20% of the population suffer from distortions in hearing or sensitivity to certain sounds. This can contribute to inappropriate or anti-social behaviour, irritability, lethargy, impulsivity, restlessness, high-tension levels, as well as problems with language and reading.