WHAT IS DAA/AIT?
Digital Auditory Aerobics/Auditory Integration Training is a form of sensory stimulation. Sensory integration is defined as the ability to take in, process and respond to information from our environment. Sensory integration difficulties result in poor attention, irritability, impulsivity, restlessness, speech-language difficulties, low academic achievement and poor behavior.

DAA/AIT is a sound and music program designed to be implemented by professional Speech-Language Pathologists or Audiologists who seek to remediate speech-language delays in their patients. AIT is an auditory integration training device, which facilitates an individual’s responsiveness to his or her surroundings, often including a corresponding increase in attentive behavior to the school, work and home environment. The program may be used to remediate sound-related perceptual distortions, “unbalanced” hearing and sound sensitivity in children and adults. The system uses a multiple compact disc changer, along with a proprietary device substantially similar to an electronic stereo equalizer, which plays pre-recorded selections through high quality stereo headphones.

WHO ARE CANDIDATES FOR DAA/AIT?
Those who have sensitivity or distortions in the auditory system are good candidates. Symptoms include extreme sound sensitivity, tuning out behavior, auditory processing difficulties, learning problems, behavior problems and speech-language delays and disorders.

Those who have extreme hearing sensitivity will exhibit the following behaviors: putting their hands over their ears, running from sounds, crying in response to loud sounds, saying “it hurts my ears”, making random noises, tuning out auditory input, avoiding noisy, crowded group situations and learning better visually.

Those who do not respond to auditory input or exhibit tuning out behavior often act as if they are deaf, have a short attention span, don’t follow oral directions or need physical prompts to follow verbal commands, learn better visually and, probably have speech-language delays.

Those with auditory processing difficulties may exhibit the following behavior: daydreaming, attention drifts, inability to stay focused, responding to only part of a verbal command, easily distracted by random noises, slow response time, auditory comprehension problems, tunes out, has language delays or disorders and inconsistent performance in school.

WHAT CHANGES RESULT FROM DAA/AIT?
Reported changes in behavior following AIT include: increased attention to auditory input, more appropriate affect and social skills, increased interest in communication, better eye contact, improved articulation, improved ability to follow directions, decrease in sensory defensiveness, happier outlook, reduction in impulsivity, aggressiveness, echolalia, distractibility, temper tantrums, as well as overall academic improvement.

HOW WAS DAA/AIT DEVELOPED?
AIT was introduced to the United States by Dr. Guy Berard, an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist from France. He developed a machine called the AudioKinetron. One of the systems currently approved in the United States is DAA.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A DAA/AIT PROGRAM?
The DAA/AIT program consists of an initial listening test, when possible, twenty 30-minute training sessions over 10 days, and follow up contact at one-, three-, six- and 12-months post AIT. Two one-half hour sessions are scheduled each day, at least three hours apart.

WHAT AGE PERSON CAN DAA/AIT BE USED WITH?
There is no minimum age for DAA/AIT. Children as young as two years of age through adults have been treated successfully. With children under four years of age, a significantly reduced volume will be used.

CAN DAA/AIT BE REPEATED?
AIT should be repeated if you have seen positive results following the first session but feel there is a need for more improvement. AIT can be repeated approximately 9-12 months after the first session.

WHAT SACRIFICES DO I NEED TO MAKE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE?
It is imperative that your child attend every scheduled session. Sessions are scheduled twice daily. The scheduling can be tight and requires prompt attendance. You may want to consider scheduling during vacations from school or work.

WHAT WILL I/MY CHILD BE DOING DURING AIT?
Participating in AIT requires wearing headphones for 30 minutes, twice a day. Sitting quietly is best but children are allowed to engage in tactile sensory exploration and other play activities that do not require focused attention or cognitive processing. Most children can adapt to wearing headphones, sometimes with a little help the first few sessions.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC IS USED FOR AIT?
The developers of DAA selected from a vast collection of music, comprised of numerous genres, and produced only music that provided the widest possible frequently spectrum. The music includes classical, jazz, contemporary, children’s music, folk music and more. No offensive or objectionable lyrics are included.

SHOULD MY CHILD CONTINUE HIS/HER REGULAR ROUTINE?
DAA/AIT should be conducted with as little stress as possible. If regular attendance at other activities causes excessive tiredness, these activities should be cancelled during AIT. Therapies, such as Sensory Integration and cranial sacral treatment seem to enhance the effects of AIT and should be continued. Any medications or special diets should also be maintained during AIT.

Your child may be tired and cranky during, just after and for up to three-months following AIT. You may see behavior that looks like regression, but is usually the sensory systems trying to adjust to the change made by AIT. Some children become more sensitive to sounds and sensory input for a while after AIT.