Integrated Listening System

(Formerly Focus Program)

The Integrated Listening System (Focus System) is a technology-based approach to improving brain function through brain and body integration via multi-sensory input. The system includes five listening protocols; Sensory & Motor, Concentration & Attention, Reading & Auditory processing as well as 2 Optimum Performance programs. Regardless of the program chosen for an individual, we start with 10 hours of nervous system calming and preparation. The Focus programs work quite well with adults, teens and children.

How does it work:

The System programs provide simultaneous multi-sensory input to help develop new (and reinforce existing) neuro pathways governing organization of the body and brain function. 

Therapeutic music is delivered via air and bone conduction headphones, providing auditory input to the brain and sensory input to the body. Movement activities, customizable for all levels, provide additional sensory and motor input for body organization.

Providing the brain with repeated input in unique, individualized combinations helps to improve the speed and accuracy of processing, which in turn, can help with a wide array of challenges. The brain, like any other muscle, can grow and change in response to proper input.

The Integrated Listening System is customizable for all skill levels.  The activities become more challenging as one progresses; and, as one’s ability to concentrate and process sensory information improves, confidence and self-regulation also build. 

This approach develops a foundation that may never have been fully developed or was interrupted due to an event. With appropriate stimulation, the brain’s ability to successfully process and retain information leads to better academic outcomes together with an increased ability to control impulses, self-regulate behaviour and engage appropriately with others.

Who is the Focus System for?

Those with the following concerns might benefit from using the Focus System:

Social and emotional difficulties

Auditory and other sensory sensitivities

Auditory processing difficulties

Irritability

Trauma related responses

Depression

Cognitive inefficiency & poor memory

Difficulty sleeping

Low resilience

Learning differences and difficulties

Difficulties in reading, writing

Difficulty paying attention

What is involved?

These listening protocols are a clinical intervention that can be used at the clinic, or at home while doing daily activities. Each session is 30 or 60 minutes long, roughly half of which involves movement activities, with the remaining time spent in any number of ways, such as drawing, puzzles, playing quiet games, fine motor activities, educational games or light exercise. With a suggested listening time of 3-5 hours per week, there’s flexibility in both clinic run sessions and home based programs to have it become a part of your typical activities.

The ILS Focus System can help you enjoy:

Improved concentration, memory, and reading comprehension

Better information processing and retention

Feeling in charge of your impulses

Feeling more patient and less reactive

Feeling more calm, happy and emotionally regulated

Happier disposition

Selecting your auditory protocol:

There is much to consider when choosing which protocol is best suited for your needs, and we are happy to go through this process with you to help you reach your goals. Here is a brief description of each to help you understand what each protocol targets.

Sensory & Motor Protocol (60 Hours)

This program helps with body organization, motor planning, hypersensitivity to the environment, communication, and behaviour. It is particularly helpful for those who find themselves or their loved ones experiencing severe sensitivity, developmental delays or who have been diagnosed on the spectrum. Years of experience, coupled with research, shows that emphasizing the lower frequencies that engage the sensory and motor systems, coupled with the mid-range frequencies of communication and higher-range frequencies of mental attentiveness are essential for addressing these difficulties.

This protocol will help those with poor balance & coordination, with tummy/digestive struggles, or those who are prone to experiencing motion sickness. It is also a very nice addition for those who find themselves experiencing depression, as it can help shift our nervous systems and create space for deeper shifts during one’s counselling journey.

Concentration & Attention Protocol (40 Hours)

Select this program to enhance body integration, mental presence and attention. The Concentration & Attention Program has a strong emphasis on lower frequencies in the beginning, which when coupled with bone conduction, is good for improving vestibular function. Higher frequencies are emphasized in the remainder of the program to reinforce the ability to sustain presence and attention.

There are many contributing factors to inattention. Therefore, this program’s design improves the ability to sit still and attend, helps with auditory processing difficulties, the inattention of ADHD, or even a combination. If more sensory motor input is needed, begin with either all or part of the Sensory & Motor Program.

Reading & Auditory Processing Protocol (40 Hours)

This program is recommended for those with academic challenges, including learning new information, memory, reading comprehension, writing, and oral expression, as well as mental ILS and attention. It improves auditory and language processing. The frequencies stimulate the speech and language centers of the brain and improve the processing and interpretation of different sounds. This is especially relevant for decoding, phonics, sequencing of sounds/words/instructions, and speed of processing.

Optimal Performance I & II Programs (24 Hours Each)

Select the Optimal Performance I Program when the goals are to improve cognitive function, mental energy, alertness, speed of processing and other higher cognitive skills. In addition, this program often results in improved alertness, creativity, motivation and inspiration. It is assumed the client’s vestibular system is organized and functioning well, and, therefore, the Organization Phase is just long enough to adapt to wearing the headphones while doing movement. The Transition Phase is quite short, requiring the listener to accommodate rapidly to changes in frequencies.

The two versions of the Optimal Performance Program may be used sequentially. Often, Optimal Performance I is used as a short refresher after having completed previous programs. Optimal Performance II is used as a refresher to Optimal Performance I. Both versions are appropriate for teens and adults who will benefit from a program designed to help with mental energy and all aspects of cognitive function and for whom motor and balance issues are not of concern.

Calming Program (10 Hours)

This supplemental program is comprised mostly of music selections ideal for calming and relaxing. If uncertain how well a very sensitive client will tolerate bone conduction input, the Calming Program is a good place to begin. In fact, the Calming Program can be used as preparation for any individual who might benefit from a gentle introduction to listening before going into a full-length program. This Program can also be used as an extension to the Organization Phase of any other program.

If a client is anxious and/or stressed, any number of sessions from the Calming Program may be utilized before beginning one of the full-length programs. Additionally, if a client has a particularly difficult day at work or school, simply substitute one Calming session for the regularly scheduled daily session. Continue the next session on the normal schedule.