ILS- Integrated Listening System (Focus)

By stimulating many of your senses at once (visual, auditory, propriocention and vestibular) through movement, music and vibration, the ILS works to create coherent brain actitivy and foster neuroplasticity. The ILS was originally developed by Dr. Ron Minson. In 1990, Dr. Minson learned of the effectiveness of sound therapy after witnessing the successful treatment of his own daughter for severe dyslexia and depression. With the advent of digital technologies, iLs was launched in 2007 to provide a more affordable and effective therapy (sound combined with visual, vestibular and movement) which could be used in homes and schools as well as clinics.

The ILS is a listening therapy that improves brain and body function by combining music and movement, harnessing the power of neuroplasticity. Specially treated music, delivered through air and bone conduction headphones, provides sensory input to the brain and body. The listener then receives additional sensory and motor input for body organization by engaging in a wide range of movement activities that are customizable for all levels and ages. The ILS is based on the fact that we can change our brain at any age. Similar to building strength and endurance with physical exercise, we are able to build neurological pathways and synaptic activity through specific and repeated stimulation, a concept known as neuroplasticity that is the foundation of the science behind the ILS.

What can I expect if I complete the ILS?

For best results, you will participate in 5 to 6 hours of activity in your own home each week. Each 30 minutes of ILS consists of 15 minutes of activity followed by 15 minutes of rest. Activities can be games (think of tossing a ball), completing your normal household chores (such as doing the dishes or the laundry) or being moderately active (practicing Tai Chi, walking your dog or stretching) while listening to classical music on headphones. You will wear specialised bone conduction headphones and have your smartphone and control unit in a waist pack. Depending upon the program, you will spend between 20 to 60 hours in this almost daily routine.

Who is the ILS designed for?

Individuals who experience difficulties with balance, eye hand coordination, auditory processing, visual processing, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression and general sensory processing. These challenges are often present in attention deficit disorders, concussion, brain injury, Parkinsons Disease and some forms of neurodivergence.