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Why is auditory integration training sometimes appropriate treatment for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), dyslexia, hyperactivity, language impairments, and Learning Disabilities (LD), etc.?
AIT was designed to normalize hearing. Distortions in hearing can sometimes be a significant contributing factor in the conditions listed above. Individuals with the above mentioned disorders can often have hearing that is disorganized, asymmetrical, hypersensitive or otherwise abnormal.
One possibility is that some of these individuals are hypersensitive to certain frequencies of sound. For example, one individual might be hypersensitive to the frequencies of 1,000 and 8,000 Hertz while her perception of all other frequencies falls within the normal range. In this case, the individual might become overstimulated, disoriented or agitated in the presence of sounds at 1,000 and 8,000 Hertz.
Another consideration is that an individual's hearing might be asymmetrical (signifiantly different between the two ears). When the right and left ears perceive sounds in an extremely different way, problems with sound discrimination can occur.
PLEASE NOTE: Some people might think only about the workings of the inner ears when they consider "poor", "normal" or "good" hearing. For this reason, it's worth emphasizing that the brain is a crucial part of the auditory system. AIT was designed to normalize the entire auditory system, so it is also aimed at changing how the brain processes and organizes the input received from the ears.
What does Auditory Integration Training involve?
An assessment of the prospective trainee's auditory system is conducted. If at all possible, this assessment includes an audiogram. The assessment will indicate whether the individual is an appropriate candidate for AIT. If training is undertaken, the information in the audiogram can be used to determine the proper settings for the electronic filtering device used in AIT.
During Auditory Integration Training, music from a stereo system (i.e., CD or cassette player) is sent through a specialized electronic device. The electronic device randomizes and filters the frequencies from the music source and sends these modified sounds into the trainee's ears through a set of headphones. The randomized frequencies mobilize and exercise the inner ear and brain. For example, the sound waves vibrate and exercise the muscles that control the three ossicles (the small bones in the middle ear). It is important to note that if the trainee's audiogram has indicated a hypersensitivity to certain frequencies, the electronic device will modulate and control the volume of those particularly sensitive frequencies.
The training is structured as follows:
- Auditory Integration Training requires twenty sessions. Each session involves thirty minutes of listening time. Ideally, the trainee does two thirty-minute sessions daily for a period of ten consecutive days. Other options are possible spanning from eight to fourteen consecutive days.
- A mid-point assessment is done after ten sessions to reassess the trainee's hearing and note any changes. Any necessary changes to the settings on the electronic device are made at this time.
- A third assessment is given after the completion of the twenty sessions. After twenty sessions, the trainee's hearing should show significant improvement with all or most frequencies being perceived at or near an equal level. Please note that it can take up to one year for all behavioral changes and benefits to become evident.
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