Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems, Berard AIT

What is Berard Auditory Integration Training or Berard AIT?

Berard Auditory Integration Training or Berard AIT was developed by Dr. Guy Berard, a practicing otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat or ENT physician) in Annecy, France. Dr. Berard originally invented Berard AIT to rehabilitate disorders of the auditory system, such as hearing loss or hearing distortion (hyper-acute or asymmetrical hearing). After 30+ years of clinical practice and study, Dr. Berard has determined that distortions in hearing or auditory processing also often contribute to many behavioral or learning disorders. He has successfully used the Berard AIT method to help individuals with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), autism, dyslexia, hyperactivity, learning disabilities (LD), language impairments, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), and depression. In the large majority of Dr. Berard's cases, Berard AIT has significantly reduced some of the handicaps associated with the disorders listed above. The principles of Berard AIT and a summary of various case histories, complete with copies of individual hearing tests before and after Berard AIT, are presented in Dr. Berard's book, Hearing Equals Behavior which was published in French in 1982. A revised edition was published in English in 1993 by Keats Publishing, Inc. (ISBN: 0-87983-600-8)


Why is Berard Auditory Integration Training or Berard AIT sometimes appropriate treatment for individuals diagnosed with autism, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), dyslexia, hyperactivity, language impairments, and learning disabilities (LD), etc.?

Berard AIT was designed to normalize hearing. Distortions in hearing can sometimes be a significant contributing factor in the conditions listed above. Individuals with the abovementioned disorders can often have hearing that is disorganized, asymmetrical, hypersensitive or otherwise abnormal.

One possibility is that some of these individuals are hypersensitive to certain frequencies of sound. For example, one individual might be hypersensitive to the frequencies of 1,000 and 8,000 Hertz while her perception of all other frequencies falls within the normal range. In this case, the individual might become overstimulated, disoriented or agitated in the presence of sounds at 1,000 and 8,000 Hertz.

Another consideration is that an individual's hearing might be asymmetrical (signifiantly different between the two ears). When the right and left ears perceive sounds in an extremely different way, problems with sound discrimination can occur.

PLEASE NOTE:Some people might think only about the workings of the inner ears when they consider "poor", "normal" or "good" hearing. For this reason, it's worth emphasizing that the brain is a crucial part of the auditory system. Berard AIT was designed to normalize the entire auditory system, so it is also aimed at changing how the brain processes and organizes the input received from the ears.

What does Berard Auditory Integration Training or Berard AIT involve?

An assessment of the prospective trainee's auditory system is conducted. If at all possible, this assessment includes an audiogram. The assessment will indicate whether the individual is an appropriate candidate for Berard AIT. If training is undertaken, the information in the audiogram can be used to determine the proper settings for the electronic filtering device used in Berard AIT.

During Berard Auditory Integration Training or Berard AIT, music from a stereo system (i.e., CD or cassette player) is sent through a specialized electronic device. The electronic device randomizes and filters the frequencies from the music source and sends these modified sounds into the trainee's ears through a set of headphones. The randomized frequencies mobilize and exercise the inner ear and train the brain (auditory processing system). For example, the sound waves vibrate and exercise the muscles that control the three ossicles (the small bones in the middle ear). It is important to note that if the trainee's audiogram has indicated a hypersensitivity to certain frequencies, the electronic device will modulate and control the volume of those particularly sensitive frequencies.

The training is structured as follows:

  • Berard Auditory Integration Training (Berard AIT) requires twenty sessions. Each session involves thirty minutes of listening time. Ideally, the trainee does two thirty-minute sessions daily for a period of ten consecutive days. Other options are possible spanning from eight to fourteen consecutive days.
  • A mid-point assessment is done after ten sessions to reassess the trainee's hearing and note any changes. Any necessary changes to the settings on the electronic device are made at this time.
  • A third assessment is given after the completion of the twenty sessions. After twenty sessions, the trainee's hearing should show significant improvement with all or most frequencies being perceived at or near an equal level. Please note that it can take up to one year for all behavioral changes and benefits to become evident.

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What improvements have been reported by teachers, parents and trainees after completion of Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems (Berard AIT)?

  • Reduction of hyper-acute and/or painful hearing
    • Less complaints of sounds causing pain or discomfort
    • Reduction in noise or tinnitus in the ear
    • Less startle responses to loud noises
  • More appropriate vocal intensity (volume)
  • More appropriate affect, expression and interaction
  • Easier, more frequent interaction with others, including increased eye contact
  • Improved language discrimination or comprehension
  • Greater interest in verbalization and communication
  • Exhibition of age appropriate behavior
  • Improved academic performance
  • Improvement in social skills
  • Increased comfort level
  • Less impulsivity and restlessness
  • Reduction in distractibility
  • Less lethary
  • Less irritability
  • Increased independence and self-esteem
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Are there any risks associated with Berard AIT?

There is no evidence to indicate that Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems (Berard AIT) is harmful in any way. The volume levels of the training are carefully monitored. No drugs and no surgery are involved with this method.

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Is Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems (Berard AIT) available throughout United States?

Our "In-Home" program makes A.I.T. available everywhere in the world. A.I.T. is available in the United States, but not in many locations. This method was invented in France and has only been promoted in the U.S. in recent years by such organizations as The Georgiana Organization and the Autism Research Institute.

Berard AIT first received extensive national attention when excerpts from The Sound of a Miracle: A Child's Triumph Over Autism were published in Reader's Digest in December 1990. This method was invented in France and has been promoted in the U.S. since 1990 by such organizations as The Georgiana Organization and the Autism Research Institute.

References to scientific studies regarding Berard Auditory Integration Therapy are available through: auditoryintegration.net.

A summary of research on A.I.T. is available through Autism Research Institute (ARI) at: www.autismwebsite.com.

The Counseling Center, located in Darien, Connecticut and Asheville, North Carolina (Darien, CT and Asheville, NC) serves families and individuals in the Eastern United States. The Counseling Center is a subsidiary of Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems, Inc.

Through Home Programs, Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems is now available everywhere! It is not necessary to come to Counseling Center offices in either Connecticut or North Carolina. WE have even sent our home program kits to people in Europe and Asia. Contact us now to find out more about Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems Home Programs!

Sarah Gewanter, MSW, CISW, LCSW is Program Director of Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems (Berard AIT) at The Counseling Center and she brings over 25 years of clinical experience to the direction of the Counseling Center's Berard AIT program. Ms. Gewanter was certified in Berard Auditory Integration Training (Berard AIT) by The Georgiana Organization.

IMPORTANT: If you contact The Counseling Center, please mention that you heard about us through the web site.


OUR PRACTICE LOCATION

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Berard Auditory Integration Systems, Inc.
A Division of the Counseling Center of CT and NC
690 Boyd Rd.
Leicester, NC 28748
Tel. 828-683-6900

FOR A PRELIMINARY TELEPHONE CONSULTATION OR TO SCHEDULE AN ASSESSMENT:

INTERNET:
Go to www.auditoryintegration.net and submit a form request.

EMAIL:
Send email with the subject: AIT CONSULT to health@aithelps.com

IN NORTH CAROLINA :
CALL: 828-683-6900 or FAX: 828-683-0303

WRITE (POSTAL ADDRESS):
Sarah Gewanter, MSW, LCSW, Director
Berard Auditory Integration Systems, Inc.
A Division of the Counseling Center of CT and NC
690 Boyd Rd.
Leicester, NC 28748

A REMINDER:: When you contact us, please mention that you heard about the Counseling Center through the web site.

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NO GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY
IS STATED OR IMPLIED

IMPORTANT:While Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems (Berard AIT) has been extremely effective for some individuals, no guarantee as to the effectiveness in any specific case can be made by The Counseling Center. The Counseling Center makes no claims as to the therapeutic value of Berard AIT. Client outcomes can vary widely from individual to individual, and as such, no warranty is stated or implied.

The Counseling Center is not offering Berard AIT as a cure for autism, mental retardation, immune system dysfunction, aphasia, language delays, sleep disturbances, perseverative behavior, irritability, distractibility, poor organizational skills, spaciness, irregular EEG, allergies, sensory integration dysfunction, allergy-induced autism, allergies, PDD, pervasive developmental disorder, language disorders, central auditory processing disorders, CAPD, Kanner's Syndrome, Aspergers Syndrome, candida-caused autism, Rett Syndrome, multiple ear infections, chronic ear infections, speech impaired, hearing impaired, learning disabled, developmentally delayed, developmental delays, nonverbal, non-verbal.

Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems (Berard AIT) is offered as a means of ameliorating or diminishing some of the above symptoms and, in particular, as they relate to autism, attention deficit disorder and other learning disabilities related to auditory processing problems.

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