In cases of learning difficulty, dyslexic, or autistic symptoms, we often suggest an iLs (Integrated Listening System) programme before, or instead of, neurofeedback.
The iLs is an at-home listening system; a modern application of the Tomatis Method from the 1950s. The iLs uses filtered sound and vibration to exercise the brain’s ability to take in information, training the senses to work together more efficiently.
For those suffering from sensory integration or filtration difficulties, the Integrated Listening System helps the senses run more smoothly and with less effort.
SENSORY DIFFICULTIES
Sensory integration dysfunctions range from almost unnoticeable to debilitating. It may result in diagnoses of dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADD/ADHD, autistic spectrum disorders, speech & language difficulties, sound hypersensitivity and clumsiness.
It is clearly seen in cases of developmental delay, and sometimes has associated symptoms such as thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, hyperactivity, or awkward movement and posture.
THE ILS
Through specific programmes, the iLs trains the brain at the foundational level. It takes your perceptual skills ‘back to basics’, retraining stages of brain development that may have been interrupted or incomplete in childhood.
The iLs exercises many senses simultaneously, leading to better integration of multi-sensory information. As the developmental stages are worked through and the senses re-balance, perceptual skills improve and dysfunction fades.
Improving basic brain function on this deep level has widespread effects. Improved sensory alignment means improvements in coordination, concentration, speech articulation, language and social skills. Comprehension and functional performance increase as the brain learns to use its resources more efficiently.
For those suffering from sensory difficulties, the iLs can make the world a far more comfortable place to be.
ILS SESSIONS
The Integrated Listening System can be used on its own, or as an adjunct to a course of neurofeedback.
Programme: To design your listening programme, we gather information through a questionnaire and, when possible, with a QEEG brain map in London. Based upon the results, a programme is created to suit your needs.
Tutorial: After a brief tutorial on basic operation you take the rental iLs home with you, or if you are out of reach of our London centre we ship the equipment to you.
The iLs: The iLs equipment consists a standard iPod, a small amplifier, and specially made headphones with a small vibrating plate for sonic bone conduction. The whole kit can be worn and carried quite comfortably.
Session: During a session, you listen to filtered music. Fine adjustments are made by filtering out or boosting different frequencies, both through sonic bone conduction and through normal over-ear headphones. This forces the brain to work harder on some sounds and to ignore others.
Duration: The programme duration is usually sixty sessions over eight weeks. Sessions are a half hour each and may be divided up over the day if necessary. The gradual and steady iLs programme ensures that the changes are reinforced, with enough time to integrate.
Price: £600 for eight week rental
SENSORY INTEGRATION
Our sensory input plays an important role in our sense of both who and where we are in our environment. Ears, eyes, touch, and muscle tone all work in perfect harmony to coordinate everything we do.
A key part of this is the vestibular system (inner ear), responsible for balance, posture, and eye movement. The vestibular system tells your body how much muscle tension is needed to perform a particular function.
It governs the eye tracking ability required for learning, auditory processing and language skills, our ability to move in a smooth and coordinated way, and even the tone and strength of our muscle development.
SENSORY FILTRATION
Sensory filtration governs your ability to focus on only the most important things, and ignore the rest. The brain filters out the extraneous noise, allowing you to focus in on a conversation in a noisy room and still hear your name over the crowd.
The Technology
We complete a full brain map as required to ensure your training changes as you do, and precisely track your progress. It is not the usual way to go about neurofeedback training, but we firmly believe it is the best way.
Equipment and Method: Our equipment is the result of the collaborative effort of some of the world’s leading neurofeedback clinicians and researchers, working together to assemble the best neurotherapy tool possible. This is not a ‘pre-packaged’ neurofeedback system.
The hardware we use was initially developed and used as a medical research tool. Our software was designed by one of the world leaders in brain research (Dr Robert Thatcher). Combined with the methods of neurofeedback pioneers Marty Wuttke, Joel Lubar and others, the result is the first major advance in the field of neurofeedback in the last 15 years.
QEEG, Full surface, 3-Dimensional Deep Brain Neurofeedback is top level brain research software. We use an FDA registered QEEG database (meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria, adequate and transparent sample size per age group, and amplifier matching). It has been clinically correlated and cross-validated, and is cited in over 100,000 peer reviewed publications. It is uniquely capable of neurofeedback directly on deep brain areas and functions; as well as Hagmann’s Hubs, Modules, and Default Mode Networks. The symptom checklist is combined with LoRETA Z scores measured during a QEEG analysis to aid to link symptoms to functional specialisation in the brain. Visit NeuroGuide software site here.