The Tomatis method is a method based on “listening rehabilitation”. It is aimed at people (children and adults) struggling with various voice, listening, learning or communication problems. Among the most commonly treated disorders are attention deficit, learning delays, autism, dyslexia, motor and language problems, and foreign language learning difficulties.

Alfred A. Tomatis, otolaryngologist, was the first to observe, around 1950, that “we sing thanks to our ears”. He had noticed that factory workers with hearing loss frequently also had voice distortions. He also noted that opera singers with voice disorders could subsequently suffer from hearing loss. This phenomenon was then verified scientifically and named “Tomatis effect”.

This was the starting point for a long series of clinical observations that led Tomatis to redefine our understanding of the ear. The quality of hearing is thought to have a decisive influence on the voice, on the ability to pay attention as well as on the development of language and various learning faculties.

This research has led to the development of techniques designed to transform the way we perceive sound. Using a device called the “electronic ear”, they change hearing skills. This is done, among other things, through the restructuring of the feedback mechanisms that govern the audio-vocal system. Tomatis thus demonstrated that by modifying a person’s listening skills, it was possible to obtain a transformation of language and of various psychological and mental faculties.

Treatment begins with an assessment to determine the person’s listening profile as well as the goals and approximate duration of the listening fitness program. A typical program has two intensive 30-hour sessions. Each session lasts 15 days, two hours a day. A one-month break separates the two sessions. Additional hours of stimulation are often required in the following year or months to consolidate the gains.

The exercises performed during the sessions are specifically aimed at auditory reception, verbal expression and the processing of information by the brain. Sounds heard through headphones (music or voice) are electronically altered, constantly re-modulated and gradually filtered. They lead the person to develop a better auditory perspective and better self-listening.

The Tomatis method is traditionally used by people who make intensive use of their voice in a professional context (singers, actors, teachers, therapists) in order to develop and deepen their voice without tiring. However, this method is mainly used with children with communication and learning difficulties (dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, evasive developmental disorders, autism, sensory integration disorder, Down syndrome and others. psychomotor retardation disabilities). The goal is to update their desire to listen and thus optimize their communication skills.

Although a few studies were carried out on the effects of the Tomatis method in the years 1970 to 1980, the beneficial effects observed are mainly based on clinical observations and personal experiences.

Autism. The only comparative scientific study published about the Tomatis method concerns autism¹. It was carried out in 2008 with 11 children. The results obtained did not show any beneficial effect of the method in improving language in these children. So far, there is therefore no compelling evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the Tomatis method as a therapy against communication and learning disabilities. Further comparative studies will therefore be necessary before recommending the Tomatis method.

Even if there are very few clinical studies on the effectiveness of the Tomatis method in the treatment of autism², the Quebec Federation of Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders considers that the method can complement conventional therapies³. The Federation stresses that this method is not a remedy in itself, but that it would allow certain children to access real social interaction and improve their level of attention, their understanding and their speech, and reduce their skills. aggressive behavior. According to the Federation, these improvements in autistic children often represent “little miracles” for parents.

Exercises performed in individual meetings generally have a passive phase and an active phase. During the passive phase, filtered sounds, usually classical music, are used to “open the ear” and improve listening skills. Headphones on the ears, children play, draw or paint. Adults usually take the opportunity to relax.

During the active phase, while listening, people hum, sing or read into a microphone. Their voice is transformed electronically and comes back to them through headphones.

There are many certified practitioners of the Tomatis method around the world. Several approaches derived from Tomatis’ work have also appeared⁴. In Quebec, for example, there are no practitioners certified by Tomatis Developpement which, since 2001, owns the Tomatis method. On the other hand, various interveners, some trained by the D^r Tomatis himself, continue to practice. (See Sites of interest.)

Professional training in the Tomatis method, given by the Tomatis Developpement centers, takes place in several intensive sessions totaling around 25 days spread over one year. It is available in Europe (France, Germany, Sweden) as well as in Mexico, the United States, Australia and Japan.

Another professional training, of shorter duration, inspired by the principles and techniques of D^r Tomatis is available in Canada under the name Listening Fitness⁵. It is offered to professionals working in the field of helping relationship.

The D^r Tomatis has published several books. Here are a few.

The ear and life (new edition), Robert Laffont, France, 1999.

Education and dyslexia, Esf Publishing, France, 1994.

The ear and the language, Seuil, France, 1991.

Madaule Paul, When Listening Comes Alive, Moulin Publishing, Canada, 1993.

Tomatis (Tomatis Development)

The official website of the Tomatis method, which controls training and grants user licenses. Profusion of theoretical and practical information. List of practitioners.

www.tomatis-group.com

The Tomatis Method

This site, independent of the official Tomatis site, offers an overview of the method and its various therapeutic applications. Addresses of centers around the world.

www.tomatis.com