For Referring Providers
As a psychoaudiologist, I partner with healthcare providers to support clients through auditory-based interventions that complement traditional care. Psychoaudiology taps into the auditory system’s unique connections to the brain and body, offering non-invasive solutions for stress, cognition, and even gut health.
Why Refer to Psychoaudiology?
The ear is more than a hearing organ—it’s a gateway to the rest of the body. The ear is unique in its anatomy and physiology for 4 main reasons:
- BRAIN:
Cortical connections: the auditory cortex is strongly linked to the language centre and to executive functioning so strongly affects cognition
Subcortical pathway: the auditory pathway runs through the limbic system (emotions) and reticular formation (arousal, attention and consciousness). - BALANCE:
The auditory and vestibular systems share the same anatomy and are inextricably linked. The vestibular system controls balance, proprioception, eye movements, muscle tone and posture - BODY:
The outer ear represents the rest of the body through a homunculus (“map of the body”) which can affect each region through a biofeedback loop when stimulated
The auricular branch of the vagus (Arnold’s branch) gives access to the rest of the body through its action on major organs promoting rest & digestion
Middle ear function is strongly linked to the larynx in vocal control and regulation, making them vital in tackling verbal communication issues - BABY:
The audiovestibular system is the first to fully form (4.5 months gestation)
The four germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm and neural crest) all develop into different sections of the middle ear making it a powerful tool to treat other conditions that have been otherwise untreatable.
Auditory re-education, based on detailed audiograms, can benefit clients with:
- Digestive issues (e.g., IBS, ulcerative colitis)
- Stress management
- Cognitive challenges (e.g., focus, memory, learning difficulties)
- Voice & Accent mastery
- Speech & Language difficulties
- Balance or coordination problems
- Mood disorders
- Auditory complaints with normal hearing thresholds (misophonia, hyperacusis, tinnitus, painful hearing)
How It Works
Assessment
Within audiology and otology, hearing assessments are usually carried out at 6 frequencies, and if these fall within normal limits for air conduction (using headphones or inserts), no further testing is carried out.
I assess auditory function beyond hearing loss, I am interested in auditory profiling i.e. what the audiogram can reveal about how optimal a client’s hearing is and what it indicates about other physiological and cognitive systems.
I therefore carry out the following:
- Complete audiogram (13 air conduction frequencies tested, including extended high frequencies, and 6 bone conduction frequencies)
- Laterality test
- Selectivity test
- Dichotic listening test
- More specific tests depending on the nature of the client’s symptoms
Auditory Re-education
The auditory re-education works in four main ways:
- Stimulation: using sounds across a broad frequency spectrum, such that a high proportion of the basilar membrane is stimulated
- Modulation: Switching which range of frequencies are heard at any given time, promoting a large range of motion of middle ear muscles
- Filtering: According to the areas of sensitivity within the audiogram, filtering occurs to increase or decrease sensitivity
- Laterality: Depending on the condition, and particularly associated with learning and educational difficulties, promoting the right ear advantage happens during the second half of the auditory re-education
Training is personalized, non-invasive, and designed to integrate with other therapies.
For more research on psychoaudiology’s benefits, including studies on the auditory-gut-brain axis and auditory training, CLICK HERE.
Referral Process
To refer a patient, contact me at [email protected]. I’ll schedule a consultation to discuss their needs and coordinate with you to support their care plan.