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iLs
Integrated Listening Systems

Building upon the psychoacoustic techniques originally developed in Europe and further refined over the past 8 years in the U.S. by Dynamic Listening Systems (DLS), iLs programs combine auditory stimulation with balance, movement and visual motor activities.

Three major senses are integrated

iLs is a sound stimulation program that integrates the vestibular (balance), visual, and auditory systems simultaneously. We have found that pairing activities that stimulate these three senses with academic remediation can allow the student greater growth in a shorter period of time. This is because each of these three neurological systems constantly talks to and receives information from the other two systems. This communication is achieved through what is called an integrated system; vestibular, visual, and auditory .

We are essentially re-training the brain to become more efficient and effective, and in the process strengthening neural connections to improve performance.

iLs addresses the following:

✔ Attention Difficulties: A well-modulated vestibular system is important for controlling the nervous system’s level of arousal. iLs bone conduction headphones and frequency filtration stimulate the vestibular system in specific ways that improve our ability to maintain a calm and alert state.
✔ Auditory Processing: The vestibular, cochlear and visual systems are our main systems for organizing sensory input. Together they form an interdependent system which allows us to detect and analyze sound, control balance and movement, and integrate our touch, hearing, and vision. iLs programs apply gradual and gentle stimulation to the vestibular/cochlear system, thereby improving the integration of sensory input to the brain.
✔ Reading/Learning Difficulty: Reading requires the ears and eyes to work together synchronously. As your eyes move from letter to letter your ear (cochlea) translates each letter into a sound. The vestibular system coordinates certain eye movements and aids in the synchronicity of the eyes and ears which is vital for successful reading. iLs programs affect eye tracking abilities as well as neurological timing and vestibular function, thus reducing processing delays often found in students with learning difficulties.
✔ Pitch Discrimination/Phonemic Awareness: Sound enters the ear as a myriad of frequencies and intensities. The cochlea, within the inner ear, is in charge of discerning the various frequencies. If the cochlea is not functioning well, we have poor “selectivity” and have a hard time telling the difference between a “P” and “B”, or “T” and “D”. iLs programs typically increase selectivity, resulting in better classroom performance and increased confidence.
✔ Self-esteem: One of the most significant areas of improvement we see with students is in their self-esteem. When we are processing information better, performing better in school and at work, we naturally feel better about ourselves. On a physiological level, it is worth noting that sound stimulation is received by more parts of the brain than any other sensory input. This includes the limbic system, which plays a major role in our emotional well-being.
✔ Alertness, Focus, Energy: A majority of our sensory stimulation is received via the vestibular/cochlear system. From there it is channeled to a system at the base of the brain known as the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS). From the ARAS, the stimuli are relayed to the cerebral cortex. With good auditory and vestibular input, the ARAS stimulates much of the cortex, having a profound effect on levels of “consciousness” and on one’s sense of feeling sharp versus hazy.
Program, activity, and symptom descriptions are for educational/informational purposes only. Any recommendations given are not to be considered diagnosis, medical, or psychological prescriptions. Every parent needs to assume the responsibility for their own child and make their own decisions as to the techniques and methodologies that will best fit their child's needs.