Boosting Communication Skills with Therapeutic Listening

by Kelly Budnick MOT, OTR/L

At Columbia Pediatric Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive in their own unique way. For some, this means finding new ways to process and engage with the world around them. Therapeutic Listening is one such approach that has shown incredible potential in supporting children with challenges in sensory processing, attention, and communication. This specialized auditory intervention is designed to help kids better connect with their environment through carefully crafted sound patterns. But what exactly is Therapeutic Listening, and how can it make a difference for your child? Let’s explore the basics, how it works, and who can benefit from this innovative technique.

Helping Kids Tune In: An Introduction to Therapeutic Listening

What is Therapeutic Listening? 

A research-supported auditory intervention to support individuals with difficulties, challenges or delays with sensory processing, listening, attention and communication skills.  

How Does it Work? 

The music in therapeutic Listening “is electronically modified to highlight the parts of the sound spectrum that naturally capture attention and activate body movement, synchronizing it with the environment.” Therapeutic Listening uses electronic modifications, including an alternating high pass/low pass filter. This creates feedback loops to exercise the muscles in the middle ear and increase the ability to specify the attention an individual needs for important sounds. The music patterns “trigger the self-organizing capacities of the nervous system.”  

(Vital Links, Therapeutic listening 2024) 

Therapeutic Listening can be used in a therapy clinic as a treatment modality in conjunction with other functional activities, but to attain the full benefits, its purpose is be implemented as a daily protocol at home. It is intended to be used while actively participating in other activities such as games or self-care. The Therapeutic Listening program uses a variety of music, selected specifically for each child by the trained practitioner. The 30-minute, twice daily music programs are not selected upon client evaluation but are selected throughout the 12-week process based on the client’s responses to the music and their progress. 

Who Would Benefit?* 

• Difficulties processing or discriminating sensory information  

• Examples: sensitivities to noise, poor body awareness, difficulties navigating space/frequent tripping and falling  

• Executive functioning impairments: Poor attention and/or direction-following skills 

• Delays and challenges with communication (verbal and non-verbal) 

• Difficulties with social skills  

• Challenges navigating space and poor body awareness 

• Poor timing and sequencing of motor skills 

*This is not an exhaustive list but captures several skills that can improve with therapeutic listening  

What Equipment Do I Need? 

Therapeutic Listening requires very little equipment. The client will need Therapeutic Listening headphones from the Vital Links website. These specific headphones are essential to access the 20,000Hz -28,000 Hz range needed for therapeutic music programs. Clients will also need to download the Vital Links apps on their Android or Apple devices. From there, specific music programs, recommended by the provider, can be rented for two-week periods. Additionally, a client may need an adapter for the headphones jack and possibly a backpack, fanny pack or armband for the device. Alternatively, a client may also choose to purchase microSD chips and S Sansa Clip+ music player device.  

Who can administer Therapeutic Listening? 

A trained therapist is required to administer Therapeutic Listening. The therapist selects a music program and helps guide the parent or caregiver through a routine. The therapist assists in choosing an environment and concurrent activities that work best for the child and the needs of the family. Each musical progression is unique and individually selected for the child, so ongoing communication about how the child is responding is key. Parents and caregivers can ask their therapist if they provide Therapeutic Listening or they can look up the provider directory on the Vital Links website. 

Resources:  

Vital Links. (n.d.). Therapeutic listening. Therapeutic Listening. https://vitallinks.com/therapeutic-listening/#:~:text=Therapeutic%20Listening%20is%20a%20specific,and%20precisely%20controlled%20sensory%20information.