How Voicepro and the Focus System Influences Auditory Processing

EXERCISES IN AUDITORY FIGURE GROUND, FILTERED WORDS, DICHOTIC LISTENING

VoicePro with Interactive Language Activities provides a means to enhance sensory input (i.e. address subcortical functions) while addressing targeted auditory processing skills such as auditory figure ground, filtered words, repeating words and dichotic listening.   The exercises can be customized per user ability level, and the immediate feedback through air and bone conduction headset with built-in microphone provides a unique training.  The organizational components of speech and language are simultaneously addressed, as is one’s sense of self, as expressive language confidence builds. When employed by speech therapists, the VoicePro is typically used as a dynamic and integral component of speech therapy.

DECODING, PHONEMIC AWARENESS, READING

Decoding, phonemic awareness, listening in a noisy classroom and speaking clearly require efficient processing and storage of information. Voicepro processes classical music to emphasize different frequencies per therapeutic objectives.  The goal is to train the ear and the brain to analyze and process sound more efficiently and accurately. For example, the Reading/Auditory Processing Program focuses on the mid-range frequencies of the English language to train one’s ability to discriminate similar-sounding phonemes, to process and differentiate rapid occurring speech sounds, and to improve inflection and rhythm in speaking and reading aloud.

VESTIBULAR FUNCTION

Directly connected to the cochlea of the inner ear, the vestibular system is primarily responsible for balance and coordination, but also has a strong impact on sensory modulation and emotional regulation.  Once the vestibular system is functioning well, children are better able to participate in higher brain functions such as reading, writing and expressive language. Voicepro provides specific and comprehensive stimulation to the vestibular system through bone conduction delivered via headphones, balance board activities, and body movement exercises.

PROCESSING INFORMATION, LEARNING NEW TASKS

The cerebellum is 10% of the weight of the brain, but it has 50% of the brain’s neurons.  In computer terms, the cerebellum is the processor, receiving input from sensory systems and various parts of the brain, and integrating these inputs to fine tune motor activity. Neuroscientists agree that the cerebellum is involved in motor functions, cognitive functions such as attention and emotional functions such as regulating fear and pleasure responses.  The Playbook’s repetitive activities are designed to stimulate cerebellar function.  Inputs from the visual, vestibular and auditory systems, session after session, train the cerebellum to become efficient at processing multi-sensory information.

EMOTIONAL REGULATION, BODY AWARENESS

Directly connected to the cochlea of the inner ear, the vestibular system is primarily responsible for balance and coordination, but also has a strong impact on sensory modulation and emotional regulation.  Once the vestibular system is functioning well, children are better able to participate in higher brain functions such as reading, writing and expressive language. Our program provides specific and comprehensive stimulation to the vestibular system through bone conduction delivered via headphones, balance board activities, and body movement exercises.

SENSE OF CALM, “GROUNDED”

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls many organs and muscles that work in an involuntary, reflexive manner.   The ANS is important in 2 situations: emergencies that require us to “fight” or to take “flight” (the sympathetic SNS) and non-emergencies that allow us to “rest and digest” (the parasympathetic PNS).  The auditory program stimulates the parasympathetic system through the vagus nerve which influences our heart rate, sweating, mouth and throat muscles involved in speech, as well as our bowels and digestion.   Many children and adults beginning our programs are in a state of hyper-arousal, not far from “fight or flight”.  The gentle stimulation of the PNS brings about a balance of the ANS which is reflected by increased ability to express oneself calmly.

HEMISPHERIC INTEGRATION

The brain defies categorization of function into neatly organized compartments but rather utilizes multiple areas simultaneously for any one function – auditory processing being a good example. Brain areas from front to back and from left to right are simultaneously involved in this activity. This requires precise, rapid and clear communication within and between hemispheres. The strength of the connection between hemispheres is enhanced through the duration of the listening and the repetitive exercises from the Playbook.