The Next Training Course

Dates: 18, 19 & 20 November 2022
Friday and Saturday are full days; Sunday is a half day.

Location: Centro de Negocios Melior: C/ Diego de León, 47. 28006 Madrid

Fee: 600 Euros

What is included:
• Dicotic Exercise Tracks in Spanish created by the ‘APAAL Institute’ specifically for the Mack-Box^TM in Spain.
• Notes and Manual containing the rules of the ‘Auditory Processing Test in Spanish’.

Course Registration:
The November 2022 course will be run in Spanish. Contact us for upcoming courses in English at g7mack@gmail.com.
Course registration link

About the Course

Listening requires sound to be analysed by a complex set of neural pathways performed precisely, sequentially, and rapidly, to distinguish speech from background noise, locate sound in space, and perform other complex listening skills. These neural activities are a prerequisite for optimal language development and receptive language skills, which in turn develop expressive language abilities.

Using the MACK-Box^TM with other electronic auditory equipment like Besson Auditory Training Systems^TM that modifies music and speech, the aim is to stimulate and train auditory pathways and auditory processing skills including dichotic processing, assisting the auditory system to differentiate between subtle alterations in sound frequencies, time and loudness found in speech, music, and sound in general.

This intervention provides the experience of sound frequencies and language content that mimics a well-functioning auditory system, to aid auditory neuroplastic change through exposure, assimilation, and biofeedback.

This course will allow you to learn about the latest advances in auditory stimulation and neuroscience, how to act in the stimulation of auditory processing skills, auditory attention and dichotic listening skills, and what interventions and protocols in cases of:

• Learning problems and Dyslexia
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Language Problems
• ADD/ADHD
• How an auditory processing deficit can influence school performance.
• How the auditory system, language and the visual system are interrelated.

What will you learn?

• Auditory Processing abilities, their assessment and training.
• Speech and Language skills, learning and auditory processing deficits.
• Foundational skills of hearing, language, and vision.
• Fundamental interactions between vision and the muscles of the middle ear, the vestibular system, the brain, and the central and autonomic nervous system.
• You will be able to learn about Auditory Processing Tests and their specific use to address auditory processing difficulties and dichotic listening problems, employing specialised materials, equipment, listening exercises and protocols to remediate auditory processing deficits.

Who should attend the training?

This course is aimed at Speech and Language Therapists, Psychologists, Behavioural Optometrists, Occupational Therapists, Audiologists, Health Professionals, and anyone who has the desire to learn about the effects of auditory stimulation and neurological re-organisation.

Training Content

Session 1

• Introduction to the APAAL Program and the Mack-Box^TM with an overview of auditory stimulation.
• Anatomy and Physiology of the auditory system provided by an Audiologist.
• Overview of Speech and Language development provided by a Speech Pathologist.
• Basic principles of vision, neuro-optometry, the vestibular-ocular relationship, and visuo-auditory integration provided by a Behavioural Optometrist.
• Auditory Processing skills and its relationship to listening with background noise, when someone is at a distance, locating sound in space and more.

Session 2

• Auditory Processing evaluation and its use in auditory stimulation and therapy.
• Developmental history, symptoms, and difficulties.
• Norman Doidge, middle ear muscles and the Polyvagal Theory.
• The APAAL Program and the Mack-Box^TM.

Session 3

• Auditory Processing deficits in developmental disorders.
• Auditory Processing and Dichotic Deficits in mental health disorders (For example: Schizophrenia and Depression).
• Dichotic Listening Training using Dichotic specific and auditory attention exercises.

Session 4

• The Mack-Box^TM technology, exercises, and protocols.
• Bone Conduction Training – the K4 with protocols.
• APAAL protocols.

Sessions 5 and 6

• Brief review of sessions 1 to 4
• Hands on workshop – assessments, interpretations, and protocols.
• Hands on use on the Mack Box^TM and Dichotic Word Exercises.

Where and when?

Madrid in November 2022.

Information brochure (PDF)

Registration form