Auditory Integration Training
What is AIT?
Auditory Integration Training is a powerful FDA approved educational program created by Dr. Guy Berard, an ENT in France.
AIT utilizes a modulated, customized classical music therapy to help children and adults succeed in social interactions, learning abilities, and to improve their overall quality of life.
Who are AIT Candidates?
Candidates for AIT are those who have sensitivity or distortions in the auditory processing system.
Additional signs of hyper acute hearing or auditory processing disorders can include:
An example of sensitivity or distortion is that some children or adults have hearing that is so sensitive they can hear fluorescent lights or even a dog whistle. This is called "hyper acute" hearing.
Hyper acute hearing happens as a result of an auditory processing disorder. This disorder can create many problems, such as speech delays, over-stimulation, learning disabilities, hyper-activity, language skills, and social awkwardness.
Symptoms
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Covers ears or cries in response to loud sounds
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Runs away from loud noises
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Easily distracted
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Daydreams, attention drifts, inability to stay focused
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Inconsistent work or educational performance
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Over-stimulation in response to every day life
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Avoids noisy, crowded group situations
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Frequently overstimulated
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Has auditory comprehension problems
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Is better at visual learning
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Not able to follow spoken directions
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Has a history of ear infections
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Is easily distracted by background noises
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Has difficulty with phonics
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Learns poorly through the auditory channel
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Has diagnosed language/speech difficulties
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Displays slow response time to verbal stimuli
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Frequently gives odd responses in conversation
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Responds to only part of a verbal command
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Needs physical prompts to understand direction
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Is easily distracted by random noises
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Has slow response time
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Has speech and language delay or disorder
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Tantrums easily
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Hears sounds (ie: airplanes) before anyone else
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Avoids eye contact
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Tics
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Stutters
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Hums or makes noises
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Has difficulty organizing the day
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Is fatigued by end of the day
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Needs constant activity or visual stimuli
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Seeks noise stimulation
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Has difficulty finding words to express themselves
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Is non-verbal or significantly speech delayed
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Those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD/SPD
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Dyslexia
How Does AIT Work?
The Classical Berard AIT method utilizes customized modulated classical music over the course of ten days to reduce auditory processing disorders by eliminating distorted hearing and hyper sensitivity of certain frequencies so that after AIT, all frequencies can be perceived equally well by the ear and brain. Resulting in an overall more effective processing.
Our AIT therapy is completed in-person with a certified Practitioner, over the course of ten consecutive days, for thirty minutes, twice a day. Custom filtered classical music is played through specialized, high definition headphones during each session.
For the first three days, the classical music is working to relax the stapedius muscle, located inside the ear. Once this muscle relaxes, the ear begins to mitigate sound more effectively. The following seven days the classical music is programmed to retrain the brain on how to process the sound it is receiving in an effective and efficient manner.
AIT is a ten day AND six month therapy. For six months following the ten day therapy, your brain will be working hard to process sound the correct way. During this time your Practitioner will conduct follow-up audiograms at 3 month and 6 month intervals, to track progress, as Dr. Berard prescribed.
Audiological Evaluation 101
Audiograms are conducted to determine if a person would be a good candidate for the AIT program.
The audiogram process involves wearing a set of headphones and listening for specific tones and frequencies. You will simply report when you hear these tones and frequencies to your Practitioner will help them determine your need for AIT and will also help them develop your personalized program if you should need the AIT
therapy.
The audiogram takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
Q: What if we can't complete an audiogram on my child? Can they still complete AIT?
A: Yes! Your practitioner will go over options for your child even if an audiogram can't be completed. Often times we find after a few days of AIT, children can complete the audiogram at the six day mark when they previously could not prior. AIT is a fantastic way to help the brain and activity level calm down, equipping children to do more than they could do prior!
AIT Session 101
During each AIT session, your Practitioner will go over a brief intake which helps to monitor your progress through the process and make any necessary adjustments to your program.
After the intake, you will be fitted with a pair of comfortable, high-definition headphones that will provide your customized, modulated classical music for thirty minutes while you listen and relax.
When the music has ended your session is complete. Your Practitioner may go over reminders for the process, confirm your next session time, or wrap up any last minute details.
