The Auditory Training Program is a treatment where there is emerging evidence. There are a few published and unpublished papers touching on the efficacy of The Auditory Training Program. If you would like a copy of these papers please contact us and we would be happy to provide them to you. Here at the Listen and Learn Centre, our experience over decades has been that The Auditory Training Program leads to clear improvement on standardized tests of specific auditory processing skills in about 85% of children and adults who undertake the program, based on pre-post The Auditory Training Program assessment.
This is dependent on pre-program assessment and individual results. A number of hours will be recommended, based on individual profiles as well as specific auditory processing difficulties. Usually an initial program of 30 hours is recommended for those with auditory processing difficulties. This is most commonly conducted over 15 consecutive sessions of 2 hours over a 3 week period. Further programs of 20 or 10 hours may be recommended on an individual basis for those with more severe auditory processing deficits, with a 6-8 week consolidation period between each program.
The Auditory Training Program sessions need to be completed as an intensive block. Therefore sessions need to be completed two hours per day, five days per week until the recommended number of hours is complete. Under some circumstances, particularly if traveling long distances to get to the centre, we will allow for the sessions to be run twice a day up to a maximum of 3 hours per day. This requires a minimum two hour break between sessions. This will only be recommended if suitable for the individual client and is dependent on availability.
Yes. The experience of the clinicians at The Listen And Learn Centre has been that when an individual makes gains in auditory processing skills following the The Auditory Training Program, these gains are usually sustained at later post testing after 1 year and on some occasion when given the opportunity to re-assess clients after 8-10 years, the clinicians have seen sustained gains over those lengths of time as well.
As outlined above, clinicians at The Listen And Learn Centre have seen via pre and post testing that about 85% of clients experience measurable improvement on specific auditory processing skills based on pre and post formal assessment. The Listen And Learn Centre cannot guarantee results. We have thus far been unable to identify specific population characteristics differentiating between those who will experience improvement and those who will not.
A referral is not required to take part in The Auditory Training Program. However pre-program assessment is required to determine whether the therapy is suitable.
The Auditory Training Program can be beneficial for a wide range of ages given this is a therapy based on promoting neuroplasticity in the brain, which we can all benefit from. Children as young as 3 years can begin Auditory Training Program provided pre-assessment evidence indicates it would be of benefit. Adults of all ages can also benefit from the Auditory Training Program when auditory processing deficits are identified through pre-assessment and suitability.
Yes, the Auditory Training Program can be conducted at home. There are only a few components of the program that cannot be used as part of the home based program. Provided a client does not require these components then the program can be conducted from home. We recommend; however, that a few sessions at the beginning of the program are completed in Centre, if possible. This gives the participant a chance to receive training face to on how to use the equipment at home and to become familiar with how the program is carried out. If this is not possible however, training can be arranged via videoconferencing.
Pre assessment is necessary to ensure that the Auditory Training Program is suitable and tailored to the individual’s needs. This testing also provides evidence of the deficits and forms a baseline for comparison at post program assessment. Post program assessment enables tracking an individual’s progress following intervention. It also provides valuable information as to whether a further intensive is required and is used to tailor further intensives to the individual’s current needs.
The cost of The Auditory Training Program varies depending on when and where the program is conducted. The program is charged at an hourly rate depending on the program recommendations and delivery. Some private health insurance funds will rebate a portion of the cost for Centre based programs. Some additional costs are applicable for home based programs, which cover insurance, transportation and equipment training.
An adult is required to attend all Auditory Training Program sessions with any child under the age of 16. Those over the age of 16 may also find having an adult accompany them can make the experience more enjoyable. The accompanying adult may be required to assist the client with recording of information, reading to them, and working through exercises and activities with them. A staff member will be available to administer the program and provide guidance and support. However, they will not be in the room with the participant throughout the duration of the sessions.
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