iLs management draws from 18 years of experience in the field of listening therapy, over half of which have involved manufacturing high-end sound equipment. There is a great deal of confusion among therapists as to what really matters when it comes to choosing an auditory program for one’s practice, and we would like to provide readers with a few things to consider as they look over their options. While many of the available programs can point to results, there are enormous differences efficacy, quality and value between various providers.
Sound + Movement + Visual > Sound Alone: iLs programs integrate visual tracking, movement and balance activities with an auditory component. By simultaneously engaging senses which are neurologically interconnected, we are training the key areas involved in information processing. Prior to this multi-sensory approach, we used “listening” therapy alone for many years. Our own experience, as well as that of hundreds of clinicians, shows clearly that a combined approach delivers better results with a broader spectrum of clients.
Sound Delivery: The iLs Pro and Focus Systems deliver sound via both air and bone conduction (BC). BC provides unique vestibular stimulation that delivers results superior to non-bone conduction systems. It is arguably the most important aspect of any clinic-level auditory program. While BC headphones add significant cost to an auditory program, they deliver low frequencies that are particularly important for sensory integration. BC also provides a counter-balance to higher frequencies, which can sometimes be over-stimulating for sensitive children. For both children and adults, BC has a calming, grounding effect.
Equipment Quality & Support: By utilizing iPods, the iLs system eliminates skipping and scratching of CD’s and provides freedom of movement. iLs’ custom built amplifiers and headphones are designed to withstand the stress of OT gyms and active children. All components are rechargeable and do not require batteries.
Music Quality: Music quality is important in terms of the user’s experience as well as the frequency rage represented in each session. iLs equipment – from cabling to custom mini-amplifier – delivers sound quality which is unmatched by any therapeutic sound provider.
Programming &Customization: Each person is unique, and client customization is one of the most important aspects of choosing a sound program. All iLs programs are created for specific therapeutic goals, allowing providers to be more prescriptive in their approach. Over 200 hours of processed music is provided to ensure maximum customization capability with minimal repetition.
Expressive Language: Output and input are integrally related. As in a feedback loop, one facilitates the other. iLs’ Expressive Language Program addresses specific aspects of auditory processing including decoding, sequencing of sounds, auditory memory, auditory figure ground and dichotic listening.
Training & Ongoing Support: Many iLs Associates comment on the value of ongoing support from iLs, especially in the early stages of using the program. The following professional development opportunities are available to all iLs Associates:
- Webinars for iLs Associates reviewing case studies
- Practitioner Course (available by distance as well) and Advanced Course
- Monthly newsletters with updates in training, equipment and research
- The Case Study Series – interesting case studies written by iLs-trained therapists who are integrating iLs with a variety of disciplines
- Consultation is available at all times: no charge for relatively quick questions; professional consultation from Ron Minson, MD is available at a reasonable charge for those needing more in-depth assistance
- iLs technical support is here in the U.S. and is available during business hours
3 SALES MYTHS of which we encourage you to be aware:
Companies claiming to have “HD (high definition) sound quality”:
Even if music is recorded in HD, you can’t get HD quality using a playback device that does not have HD capability. iPods do not have HD capability.
Companies claiming “iPods have lesser sound quality than CDs”:
This statement is true of most MP3 players; however, iPods have ‘lossless format’, which is equal to CD quality.
Companies claiming “All bone conduction is the same”:
Bone conducted intensity will vary enormously based upon the frequency content of the music and the volume level. The iLs Focus and Pro contain music which is designed to be played through both air and bone conduction headphones. This (richness of low frequency content) creates a different level of bone conduction than one finds in programs originally designed for air conduction only.
