Did you know that ailments such as lack of balance, poor concentration, stuttering and even depression could actually be attributed to problems with your ears? A simple therapy, known as the Tomatis Method, has proven to be an effective way to treat many ailments associated with the inner ear.
WHAT IS IT?
The Tomatis Method was developed by Canadian ear, nose and throat specialist Dr Alfred Tomatis. It works on the principle that if our ears aren't in sync, meaning we hear better from one ear than we do from the other, we aren't performing to the best of our ability. This would show up in our ability to walk, talk and communicate — as all these functions are controlled by the inner ear.
"If two ears are not balanced it's like driving a car with square wheels," explains Franccedil;oise Nicoloff, a psychologist and founder of The Tomatis Method in Australia. "This results in immaturity in children or emotional troubles, such as lack of confidence, in adults."
Ear imbalances are often linked to a difficult birth or to the mother experiencing trauma during pregnancy, because at just four months' gestation, a foetus is able to hear, says Nicoloff.
Using a similar concept to Chinese medicine, the Tomatis Method sees the natural flow of energy (also known as chi) in the central nervous system as the key to optimum wellbeing. Its aim is to free blockages within this energy field to bring balance and harmony to both mind and body. The organ that funnels this energy to the brain and body is the ear. And the tool that is used to stimulate the ears and reprogram the way in which sounds are processed is music.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A device called the electronic ear — a black box that plays cassettes, rather like an amplifier and linked to headphones — devised by Dr Tomatis, relays music in such a way that it exercises the muscles in the ears. It retrains the ear by playing filtered music through the headphones, gradually reintroducing sound through its natural journey of development. Mozart's music is used because it falls mostly in the high-frequency sound range and has a greater number of vibrations than other types of music. It also uses both medium- and low-range pitches at random, to give the ear a solid workout.
WHO CAN THE THERAPY HELP?
While the Tomatis Method is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care, its use of music and sound has helped both adults and children overcome a variety of problems.
Children
The listening program is helpful for children who have learning difficulties or who have hearing and speech problems. It is also beneficial for youngsters who are "late walkers or late talkers". It can help improve reading and attentiveness skills in children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism and dyspraxia (problems with co-ordination and motor skills).
Adults
Listening to Mozart through the electronic ear has been clinically proven to reduce stress and depression, as well as increase concentration and mental clarity. Some claim it makes them feel calmer and more able to manage stressful situations. Others have noticed an improvement in their concentration, creativity and productivity, especially in the workplace. According to Tomatis, emotional blockages, often due to a past trauma, can prevent people from listening properly. The high-frequency music of Mozart, particularly when filtered through the electronic ear, has an energising effect that has been found to encourage confidence, renew motivation and even prompt a new life direction.
Performers
According to Tomatis, dull flat voices indicate poor hearing analysis.
Many actors, comedians, singers and dancers use the Tomatis Method to improve their vocal skills, memory, coordination and balance. It has been used by musicians like Sting, and actors, such as Juliette Binoche and Gérard Depardieu, whose quite extraordinary transformation through the Tomatis Method is detailed in his biography.
Language-learners
This program is perfect for people wishing to learn another language as it finetunes listening techniques. For example, English-speaking students learning Spanish listen to the teacher speaking into a microphone linked to the electronic ear. Through it they are able to hear exactly how a Spanish person would hear, which is quite different to how an English person would perceive the same sounds.
WHERE AND HOW MUCH?
To get the full benefit of the therapy, it's advisable to do the Tomatis Listening Program of 15 two-hour sessions, which you do from three to five times a week. After four to 12 weeks you'll be assessed and, if necessary, the course instructors can devise a maintenance program tailored to your needs. Sessions cost around $50 an hour; package deals are also available. For information, call 1800 677 010 or visit www.tomatis.com.au.
Home