Sound Harmonics- AIT

I'm not sure where I got the term sound harmonics but the official name is AIT or Auditory Integration Training.  Again, it would be better maybe to get the offical info from some reputable source.  I'm just going to attempt to give a summary of what I know.  Basically I didn't know anything about it and usually they don't perform it on anyone under 18 months of age.  I didn't realize exactly what it was but signed up anyway since they were going to allow us and then have been learning about it since. 

Basics- the person puts on headphones for 30 minutes - twice a day - for 20 sessions total.  This can usually cost up to $1200 or more since the equipment is so expensive.  We are offered it for free here.  Created by Dr. Tomatis of France in the 1960s and altered to our current method by Dr. Berard, who studied under Tomatis, it was intended to help children who had difficulty learning in school. 

It relies on specially designed equipment that randomizes and filters high and low frequency sounds and intensity levels.  It is believed that some people do not hear all frequencies equally and this causes them trouble in a lot of different ways.  By exposing the person to varied, inconsistent levels of noise it has a sensory stimulation quality that can reduce hypersensitivity long term.  It is unknown exactly how the AIT will affect each person and there are limited explanations for why it works. 

Possible benefits include:  improved attention to auditory stimuli and comprehension, social behavior, awareness and communication as well as decreased sensitivity to sounds, impulsivity, distractibility, irritability and lethargy. 

This treatment is more known in the autistic world but is also seen as helpful for those with sensory integration disorder- a part of the diagnosis or CP, autism, ADHD and otherwise undiagnosed individuals. 

Precautions- once treatment has begun there is no skipping of session- all sessions must be completed together at one time.  After treatment- or even partial treatment, if it is stopped, patients are not permitted to use the AIT for at least 1 year.  Efforts must be taken to avoid loud noises for the first three months afterwards, including fire alarms and rock concerts and are not permitted to wear headphones.  Damaging affects to either the hearing or the effectiveness of the treatment are possible if these suggestions are not followed.  Behaviors may be changed during and after in a way perceived as negative as the patient adjusts to the changes affecting them.  We're encouraged to keep track during and after the time period we do the sessions.