Auditory processing is different to hearing. Hearing is a more mechanical activity, while auditory processing is the the function of the central nervous system to process and make sense and meaning out of sounds.
We process sound through a combination of air (ears) and bone (skeleton) conduction. Lower frequencies are primarily conducted through the bone and higher frequencies through the air by the ears. A baby is able to process the full range of detectable audible frequencies. As they begin to process their mother tongue, the range of frequencies detected by the auditory system reduces.
Sound waves enter the outer ear, travel as vibrations from the middle ear and are transformed into electrical signals, called neurons, by the inner ear enabling them to travel the central nervous system to specific areas in the brain for decoding. Our central nervous system is designed to enable the internal routes for the sound waves coming via air or bone conduction to reach their destination point. A brain with poorly developed interconnections and a central nervous system overly challenged by sensory signals can mean important frequencies are not detected, signals not cohering at the same time and in the right place, or simply lost on route.
One of the skills of listening is the ability to attend to what is being said. To do this effectively our brains need to filter out other extraneous sounds. Sensory filtration systems in the brain like the Reticular Activating System (RAS) and the vestibular-cerebella are key in keeping us both alert to what we need to attend to and filtering out what we don't.
These systems can be directly influenced by our balance. At a neurological level, a programme of activities that continually challenges our balance, will be activating the RAS and vestibular-cerebella systems.
Specific locations for listening are found in both sides of the brain. Where there is poor laterality (connection between the two sides) listening is also challenged. At a neurological level a programme of repetitive cross-lateral activities, developing the interconnections between the left and right brain hemispheres of the cortex, will also have an impact on listening.
Interpreting sound into action is a vital element of listening. At a neurological level a programme where children are attending to sounds (music), while interpreting the experience into movement and keeping a steady beat and a rhythm going will also have an impact on listening.
The Action Kids, ActEi and Activate programmes in the Every Body Active range combine balance, cross lateral movements and attending to music in every session. Through regular use of these programmes children’s ability to listen is likely to improve.