Hemisphere Specific auditory stimulation (HSAS)

Hemisphere Specific Auditory Stimulation (HSAS) is an auditory stimulation program developed in Denmark by Kjeld Johansen, Ph.D.  He has completed over 30 years of research in auditory processing and the effects on learning and in particular, dyslexia.  The HSAS program uses a series of cassette tape’s that were developed by Dr. Johansen and music composer Bent Holbech of RONTA music.  These tapes play computerized music and are utilized to make individualized tapes for listeners.

D. Johansen has published numerous studies reporting that the HSAS program, is designed to address the need for a right ear preference for speech sounds, as suggested by Samuel T. Orton and to increase the ability to perceive format transitions and rhythmical changes, as reported by Chr. A. Volf.  These studies also report how ear preferences and perception of sounds can be achieved through music stimulation. 

Johansen reports that perception of sounds, in particular speech sounds can be enhanced by tailoring the music to meet the optimal hearing curve developed by A. A. Tomatis.  This is done by completing a pure tone audiogram, ear preference and auditory discrimination evaluation and then by either enhancing or decreasing frequencies via an equalizer, while recording onto a tape.  The only requirement to achieve this enhancement is to listen to the tailored tape at a low level through mid to high quality Walkman headphones 20 minutes a day.  It normally takes between 25 and 50 hours to complete the program with tape modifications completed every 6-8 hours.

Signs of an Auditory Processing Problem

The following may be indicators of a possible auditory processing problem:

• History of multiple ear infections especially at an early age.

• Difficulty understanding verbal information even with repetitions.

• Difficulty following verbal directions.

• Difficulty with academics, especially reading and spelling.

• Difficulty with social interaction.

• Difficulty with speech/sound discrimination.

• Difficulty with auditory memory tasks.

• Difficulty attending especially when there is additional outside stimuli present.

• Slow or delayed responses to verbal information.

• Says “huh” or ‘what’ a lot.