Digital Auditory

3440 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, Pa. 18103 Phone: 610-821-0123 Fax: 610-821-4366

Auditory Integration Training is offered exclusively in eastern Pennsylvania at Pediatric Therapy Associates, PC. It is a sound and music program designed to be implemented by Certified Practitioners who seek to positively change speech/language delays, improve central auditory processing skills and decrease sound sensitivities in their clients.

Pediatric Therapy Associates, PC uses Digital Auditory Aerobics, a Berard based form of Auditory Integration Training. This program facilitates an individuals' responsiveness to his or her surroundings. It may be used to improve sound-related distortions, "unbalanced" hearing, perceptual distortions and sound sensitivity in children and adults.

Indicators of Auditory Problems

	History of ear infections
	Does not pay attention to verbal instruction 50% of the time
	Is easily distracted by background noises
	Has difficulty with phonics
	Learns poorly through the auditory channel
	Has a diagnosed language problem
	Displays slow response time to verbal stimuli
	Covers ears to avoid sounds
	Frequently gives odd or inappropriate response in conversation
	Tantrums easily
	Hears sounds such as airplanes, etc. before anyone else
	Avoids eye contact
	Hums or make noises
	Has difficulty organizing the day
	Is tired or has fatigue by the end of the day
	Needs constant activity or visual stimuli
	Has difficulty finding the exact words to express themselves

What constitutes a Digital Auditory Aerobics program?

The system uses a multiple compact disc changer along with a specifically engineered device substantially similar to an electronic stereo equalizer, which plays pre-recorded selections through high quality stereo headphones.

The program consists of an initial and midpoint hearing test (audiogram, to be attained privately from certified audiologist) that provides the information necessary for the practitioner to calibrate the sound during training. The child then attends twenty, 30 minute training sessions, over ten days, two 1/2 hour sessions each day. The two training sessions each day must have a separation of at least three hours.

Follow up consultations are scheduled at one, three, six and nine months after treatment. These are typically done over the telephone, however families are encouraged to return to our office at the six month follow-up where the behavioral questionnaire from that point can be compared to the responses the family provided prior to treatment.

What changes result from DAA?

	Improved social behavior
	Increased attention
	Reduced sensitivity to sound
	Follows instructions better
	Improved eye contact
	Decreased irritability
	Happier
	Calms more quickly
	Improved speech skills
	Clearer articulation
	Improved sleeping habits
	Willingness to interact
	Improved auditory comprehension
	Increased length of utterance
	Increased independence
	Decreased impulsivity

Digital Auditory Aerobics Practitioners

Sally L Abruzzese, M.Ed., OTR/L, BCP and Debra G. Schuerman, M.Ed., OTR/L are both certified in Digital Auditory Aerobics. They bring their years of experience in occupational therapy to the DAA sessions, incorporating sensory integrative and fine motor activities into the listening sessions.

Need more?

Please forward your name and postal mailing address via e-mail or postal mail and we will be glad to send you our DAA information packet right away.