FAQs
The Tomatis® Method is picking up growth speed across the United States. Its history is long and based in science as the first and original listening program. Many listening programs and brain-oriented programs that work through the vestibular-cochlear nerve find their source materials in Dr. Tomatis’ work. Answers to most of these questions can be found throughout this website. Here are some short answers to frequently asked questions.
Dr. Young welcomes your questions concerning the Tomatis Method. You may contact her at info@ListeningClarity.com.
Q: Do I have to go to a center for the Tomatis® Method?
A: No. The Tomatis Method is available as a portable, educational application. You do your program in your own home after meeting with a Consultant in person or by phone and receiving instructions on the easy-to-use equipment. You return the borrowed equipment to the certified Consultant at the end of your sessions, if you are at some distance from the Consultant. About the Program.
Q: How long does the average program take?
A: For most people, the process includes a minimum of 60 hours of listening in two sessions of 30 hours each. This is usually completed in less than 3 months. The sessions typically include passive listening where the client simply listens to the individualized program written for his or her own ears. With the Mini-EE, you have active listening where, using a microphone, a client either reads aloud while still listening to Mozart, or repeats Gregorian Chant. The active listening is designed to help strengthen specific sounds that may be missing or weak in one’s auditory processing. Additional listening may continue past three months, if appropriate. About the Program.
Q: Do I have to sit still during the two hours of daily listening?
A: No. The Mini-EE plugs into a wall outlet in one room, but the cord is long and individuals may move around the room in which they are listening. Solisten runs on a battery allowing listeners to move freely in their space. Children may play and adults may work, if desired, although reading is not recommended. Listeners may draw, work puzzles, dance or move the body, sleep, or even complete homework assignments that do not require extensive reading. About the Program.
Q: Where is the Tomatis Method available?
A: Throughout the US, around the world, and in the Southwestern and Southeastern US through Listening Clarity, Inc. Visit www.tomatis-group.com for practitioners outside the US.
Q: How do you track or see results?
A: Generally, we track changes three ways: with daily reports from clients, listening re-tests, and ongoing reports after listening is completed. Concrete changes are often seen when:
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A child with attention challenges can complete seat work in school
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A good student reduces the number of hours spent on homework from 3 or 4 down to an hour
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An active person begins to hear information the first time it is said instead of having it repeated
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A struggling adult can keep a job
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You can hold eye-contact during a conversation
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Decisions are easier to make
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You remember words and names more easily
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General communications improve both at home and at work
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Overall daily energy is continuous throughout the day and into the evening
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A person tries a new sport
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Self-esteem improves and new ideas emerge
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You are excited and motivated to take action
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People begin to believe again in possibilities
Q: Are the resulting changes lasting?
A: Yes. Once the program is completed, changes will last. Any future trauma to the ear such as severe illness or an accident may result in changes to a person’s listening skills. More About the Ear.
Q: What if my child cannot do the Initial Assessment (IA)?
A: Since the introduction of Solisten, we have streamlined our intake process. When close to Listening Clarity, a Tomatis Listening Test is given in the Initial Assessment. When at a distance, a phone interview works well for the IA. Some children and adults are unable to follow auditory instructions or sit for the listening test. In these cases, the in-depth questionnaire and a visual or oral interview are helpful in knowing how to write or choose the client’s program.
Q: How do I start?
A: Call (512) 827-7483 or email lenyoung@listeningclarity.com to learn more about the program or to schedule your Initial Assessment with Len Young, PhD, RCTC.
Q: Does insurance cover the Tomatis Method?
A: No. The Tomatis Method is an educational training program and is not covered under medical insurance. On occasion, an employer offers support for educational programs to help families. The Tomatis Method may be covered in this type of program.
Q: Does this process help hearing loss?
A: If there is neurological damage to the ear, the Tomatis Method will not correct this loss. However, if there is loss without cause, there may be a chance to improve a person’s hearing by doing this program. At present, we have no evidence to support this, but we have personal experience with clients whose hearing has improved.
Q: Can the Tomatis Method be combined with other therapies?
A: The Tomatis Method works on the ear as a vital part of the body’s function. Many therapists, such as speech, occupational, and physical therapists, recommend the Tomatis Method to their clients as complements to their programs. We recommend massage, cranial sacral, and chiropractic therapies, some body work for adults, when taking a Tomatis program.
Q: What training does a consultant have?
A: A Registered and Certified Tomatis Consultant has taken an intense training program either in France or the United States and completed an internship and one-on-one personal training with another certified consultant. With the advent of Solisten, Tomatis Consultants begin their training with Solisten and progress through three levels to become a full Tomatis Consultant. Backgrounds vary to qualify; all are now required to have a minimum education and experience. Visit www.iarctc.org for more information.
Q: Why does the program use the music of Mozart?
A: Mozart’s music is very complex, covering a wide range of sound in most pieces. A study done at UC Irvine found Mozart touches human brain activity, providing openings for learning. That is why Mozart's music has been proven to be so beneficial for learning and education. Dr. Tomatis found Mozart the most efficient for re-training the middle ear muscles.
Q: Can I just listen to Mozart on my IPOD with the same results?
A: Listening to Mozart at any time supports learning skills; however, the Tomatis Method uses patented technology that individualizes the listening experience and stimulates your ears through a personal program that dramatically affects auditory processing.
Q: What is the Tomatis Association?
A: The International Association of Registered Certified Tomatis Consultants (IARCTC) certifies Tomatis Consultants and Practitioners who are licensed annually to provide the Tomatis work through stringent Standards of Practice (see www.TomatisAssociation.org).