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By using "The Tree of Sound Enhancement Therapy®", one can make sense of
the many available therapies.[2] This tree analogy defines the uses of the
therapies. The "Root System" addresses one's sense of hearing. The "Trunk"
addresses all processes of the ear for general sound processing
stimulation. The "Lower Leaves and Branches" address specific skills like
auditory memory, auditory sequencing, and auditory discrimination. The
"Upper Leaves and Branches" address reading, spelling, and handwriting.
The "Overall Maintenance of the Tree" addresses one's wellness or body
support for maintaining change.[3]This tree analogy is based on the
voice-ear-brain connection initially identified by Dr. Alfred Tomatis, and
further validated by the Davis Addendum to the Tomatis Effect in 2004.[4]
Basically, the concept suggests that the voice produces what the ear hears
and the ear emits the same stressed frequencies as the voice. There is a
cyclical connection between the voice and the ear that then transfers to
the brain.[5]
"The Tree of Sound Enhancement Therapy" is the foundation for the
Diagnostic Evaluation for Therapy Protocol (DETP), a test battery that
determines when, and if a sound-based therapy is appropriate, and when it
is, the correct order for successful administration. The DETP tests all
five areas of "The Tree" and the results maximize the success of any
sound-based therapy. Changes with sound-based therapy have been
accomplished by all of the therapies discussed but maximum success is
achieved with the correct administration of the therapies.
Root System
When an issue is present with hearing function at The Root System level,
Dr. Bernard's Auditory Integration Training (AIT) may be suggested (only
the DETP can determine if the therapy will be suggested and in what
order). This method "retrains" the acoustic reflex muscle in the middle
ear which stimulates both the cochlea and vestibular portions of the ear
more appropriately.[6] The brain and body responses become more efficient.
This method especially helps one type of hearing hypersensitivity, and
also increases blood flow in the brain at the auditory and vestibular
receptive centers. Changes can be seen in the listener's responses to
sound and movement. Very often this type of change can help people who are
overly aware of sound disturbances that impede studying, attention, focus,
and language comprehension, which indirectly affects reading. By making
the world "more comfortable" or "less distracting", the person can finally
tune into what they are supposed to be listening to.
Trunk System
When the DETP identifies a sound processing issue at the Trunk level, the
Tomatis Method is introduced. This method, which was researched and
established by Dr. Alfred Tomatis in the 1950's, addresses all of the
components of the ear's sensory stimulation and connections, and often has
the greatest impact on the listener educationally and developmentally when
applied in the appropriate order. It includes the use of filtered and
gated music, bone conduction vibration, and vocal production through the
use of special equipment. It is an intensive program of listening. Changes
can be seen with skills needed to process auditory and vestibular
information, such as body coordination, rhythm/pitch/inflection of one's
speaking patterns, reading skills, listening skills, and oral motor skills
to name a few.
Many sound therapies have tried to copy this method. Some of these
spin-offs fit into the upper "Trunk" because they do not include all of
the processes that are a part of the very comprehensive Tomatis Method.
Leaves and Branches
When a specific auditory processing skill weakness is identified, the
therapies at the "Lower Leaves and Branches" are utilized. There are many
sound-based therapies at this level of "The Tree". Fast ForWord® addresses
temporal sequencing skills necessary for language and reading
comprehension. Interactive Metronome® addresses
one's rhythm, timing, and
focus, all necessary for daily functioning and development. Earobics®
helps develop specific auditory processing skills such as discrimination,
and sound blends.
When more academic skills are found to be weak, various reading programs
such as Read-Spell-Comprehend® and the Wilson® Method, are incorporated in
the "Upper Leaves and Branches". These methods stimulate a combination of
sensory skills, including the auditory sense, to teach reading. These
methods are best introduced, once the foundation of "The Tree" is
sufficiently developed, to make and maintain the most change.[7] In
addition to the DETP, The Davis Center uses their Reading Inventory Skill
Assessment (RISA) to determine if the person needing help should start at
this level or a more foundationally appropriate level of "The Tree".
Body Maintenance of the Tree
Both the Tomatis Effect and the Davis Addendum to the Tomatis Effect
emphasize the importance of the voice in maintaining and supporting
developmental and learning changes.[8] The voice provides the resonance
for the maintenance of the body and "The Tree". Although not typically a
part of the learning portion of "The Tree", the science of BioAcoustics®
uses the voice as the identifier of one's body's imbalances and through
sound presentation supports the body in returning to its natural form and
function. When learning is not improving to the desired degree, this
wellness portion of "The Tree" often is crucial to the person's success.
Summary
Sound impacts the entire body. The ear is the major sensory stimulator for
the body and there is a direct connection between the voice, the ear, and
the brain. The entire body is the recipient of sound's vibrational impact
through these connections. Therefore, when addressing learning,
educational, and developmental issues, sound stimulation should be
considered. Sound stimulates the entire body making positive change within
the system. The next sections will describe the individual sections of The
Tree and the sound-based therapies in more depth as they relate to
learning.
copyright©Davis2005
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[1] Davis, D S., "Sound Bodies through Sound Therapy", Kalco Publishing
LLC, Landing, NJ 2004
[2] Davis, D S., "Sound Bodies through Sound Therapy", Kalco Publishing
LLC, Landing, NJ 2004
[3] Davis, D S., "Sound Bodies through Sound Therapy", Kalco Publishing
LLC, Landing, NJ 2004
[4] Davis-Kalugin, D S., "Davis Addendum to the Tomatis Effect",
Acoustical Society of America Conference, San Diego, CA. November 2004
[5] Davis, D S., "The Cycle of Sound", International Tomatis Convention,
Vienna, Austria, May 2002
[6] Davis, D S., "Sound Bodies through Sound Therapy", Kalco Publishing
LLC, Landing, NJ 2004, p 168
[7] Davis, D S., "Sound Bodies through Sound Therapy", Kalco Publishing
LLC, Landing, NJ 2004, p 255-277
[8] Davis, D S., "Sound Bodies through Sound Therapy", Kalco Publishing
LLC, Landing, NJ 2004
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