Music Programs

The Tomatis Method is a structured listening program that plays electronically filtered music, often classical, through specialised headphones. Solisten is one of the portable devices developed for the method.

Session length varies. Some Solisten programs use listening sessions of about two hours a day.

Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) Focus System. Unyte’s program pairs specially treated music with movement activities. It uses headphones that deliver sound through the air and through vibration, known as bone conduction.

The Listening Program (TLP). Developed by Advanced Brain Technologies, this home-based program uses acoustically modified classical music. Its standard schedule uses short listening sessions of around 15 minutes, four or five days a week.

Soundsory. A home program that combines filtered rhythmic music, specialised headphones and guided movement exercises. The provider describes its goals in terms of body awareness and coordination.

Therapeutic Listening. Developed by Vital Links and used in occupational therapy, this approach uses electronically modified recordings selected by a therapist around the listener’s sensory needs and goals.

Listening Fitness (LiFT). Developed by Paul Madaule and informed by the Tomatis Method, LiFT uses filtered sound as part of listening exercises designed around listening and learning.

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP). A practitioner-guided program from Unyte that uses filtered vocal music. It draws on polyvagal theory and is designed to support regulation and social engagement. Those aims describe the program’s design. Research on music interventions for PTSD covers several different approaches.

Brain.fm uses music with subtle rhythmic changes in volume and offers tracks for focus, relaxation and sleep. A study that included researchers affiliated with Brain.fm found that a particular type of modified music improved performance on a short attention task under some conditions. The study measured immediate task performance. Long-term benefits and effects on ADHD symptoms remain unclear.

A registered music therapist may use listening, singing, instruments or songwriting to work with someone towards goals that matter to them. Some therapists incorporate cognitive behavioural strategies.

A Cochrane review found that music therapy likely improved short-term quality of life for autistic people. Studies in adults with PTSD suggest possible benefits, though many were small and tested different approaches.

Neurologic music therapy uses techniques such as walking to a steady beat during rehabilitation. Studies suggest rhythmic cues can improve some aspects of walking after stroke. It’s a practical example of how music can help someone practise a specific skill.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt with experience and practice. When a program talks about “rewiring the brain”, look for studies that measure the change you care about, such as concentrating at work or managing everyday sensory demands, and whether it lasts.

Independent reviews have found limited evidence for filtered-sound programs as treatments. The most useful evidence is specific to the program and the outcome you’re looking for.