The MACK-Box was developed to address the skills involved in dichotic processing and the stimulation of the auditory network. The training incorporates techniques of time and sound intensity altered music and speech exercises designed to develop:

1. Auditory timing discrimination between the ears. Timing discrimination is achieved by the presentation of the same stimulus arriving at the left and right ears at differing times, with timing differences ranging from 5 seconds down to 1 millisecond. The time delay between the left and right ears is conceptually like an echo.  This technique aims to promote interhemispheric separation and discrimination skills, sound localization and attentional direction.

2. Auditory sound intensity (volume) discrimination. Sound volume discrimination is achieved by the presentation of the same stimulus to the left and right ears at differing volume levels.  The intent is to train the weak ear at normal sound levels while reducing the sound intensity level to the dominant ear, thereby allowing the auditory system to learn to prioritize processing of auditory information in the weak ear.  The combination of a timing delay and sound intensity difference gives rise to a spatial effect that mimics the skills required for an individual to determine the direction and spatial skills of the sound source.

3. Audio-vocal time expanded biofeedback. This technique is used to promote self-listening via audio-vocal time expanded biofeedback exercises, allowing for a feedback loop between self-produced speech, and milliseconds later hearing the same content aimed at self-speech awareness of what was said to assist improve the individual’s speech by self-correction, as they can listen to their voice independent of speaking and listening to self simultaneously.

The equipment allows to pre-recorded tracks to be delayed to either the left or the right ear by milliseconds, for example 1,000 milliseconds difference (being the optimum start point for most clients) down to 10ms, with the ability to customise the program for each client based on the dichotic listening assessments which can reveal atypical left, right, or mixed-ear dominance.

4. Vibroacoustic stimuli. Using a low filter or ‘Low Pass Filter’, the Kios 4 addresses sensory processing stimulation aimed at assisting the body to be aware of light non-invasive sensory stimulation aimed at assisting individuals with sensory awareness and processing difficulties.

MACK-Box^TM exercises:

The MACK-Box^TM specific and sequential intensity and temporal discrimination exercises are theorized to stimulate and reshape the neural firing potential of auditory pathways, based on the premise of Neuroplasticity, where direct and specific stimulation can lead to skill development.

This intervention aims to train advanced dichotic listening skills, auditory attention, spatial awareness leading to improved sound localisation and discrimination, binaural processing, temporal awareness, and other correlated Central Auditory Processing skills inclusive of sensory awareness and integration difficulties.

The Mack-Box^TM can be used as a stand alone system independent of any other auditory stimulation equipment, or in conjunction with equipment such as the “Besson Auditory Training System^TM” or other auditory stimulation systems.