Listening | Learning | Development

Its function - Listen to the Tomatis® Effect



 Certain clasical music has specific structure, producing sound waves in organised patterns. Within these patterns are vital elements including time, frequency and volume. When listening to music, the ear is receiving musical sound waves. The chosen musical works are rich in harmonics (frequency-relative richness), which is necessary to make the electronic gating work. The musical works used are generally Mozart’s concertos for the violin, specially-treated with the Tomatis effect.

Electronic gating creates the Tomatis effect

The Tomatis devices are designed to establish a unique sound perception contrast. This effect causes the contraction and relaxation of the inner ear muscles. This back-and-forth movement between tension and relaxation in the muscle of the ear is rendered possible due to the electronic gate, a device capable of alternating between two states of perception for the same auditory message. This activity is much like a fitness exercise for the ear, which, due to repeated activity and to the progressive mobilisation of the ear, optimises the transmission of the sensory sound message to the brain.


  • stress reduction and social engagement:

The autonomic and central nervous system are simultaneously engaged with the music. It can support stress reduction and regulation of the 'fight or flight' response to help achieve a state of calm and relaxed/alertness, which is essential for social engagement.

  • vestibular processing:

The ear is not only responsible for hearing, but also for maintaining balance, posture, equilibrium, control of muscle movement and body awareness; listening with bone conduction helps to improve internal and external sensory awareness, supporting a host of brain functions. Scientific studies have shown the vestibular system can be directly stimulated by bone-conducted sound.

  • speech and language:

We hear ourselves through bone conduction. If you have ever heard a recording of your own voice, that becomes very clear. When you speak, you hear yourself through bone conduction, and you hear others through air conduction. The listening program with combined bone and air conduction offers internal and external sound stimulation to help promote awareness and support the development of refined receptive and expressive communication.



Programming of the devices, choice of musical works, filtering, auditory laterality, speed of the gating and design of the listening sessions are determined by the trained professional depending on the subject’s issues or difficulties. The program for each person is individualised.