Integrated Listening System® (ILS)

In this article

What is the Integrated Listening System (ILS), and How Does It Work?

What is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) by ILS?

What are the Benefits of ILS?

Where is ILS Coming From?

What Does an ILS Session Look Like?

Who Benefits the Most From ILS?

Where Can ILS be Practiced and Who Delivers it?

What is the Equipment Needed for ILS?

How Much Does ILS Cost to End Users?

Does ILS Work, and What are the Side Effects?

 Are There Any Alternatives to ILS?

Integrated Listening System is a program consisting of filtered classical music intended to improve sensory regulation and auditory processing. Integrated Listening System is just one type of sound therapy program available on the market. Many of them appear the same with high costs and complicated research studies (or lack thereof) behind them. This can make it overwhelming for providers and parents alike to choose.

In this article, we will review the specifics of the Integrated Listening System (ILS). We aim to answer questions about what the program consists of, how much it costs, and how it compares to other programs that intend to address the same skill areas. We will offer an easy-to-read comparison of many systems so you can make the best decision for yourself or your child.

What is the Integrated Listening System (ILS), and How Does It Work?

Integrated Listening System (ILS) is a listening therapy program that provides pre-recorded filtered classical music that functions with an app. The Integrated Listening System includes the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), the Focus System, and the VoicePro. This program is suitable for children and adults looking to improve sensory function.

The Sound and Safe Protocol consists of 5 hours of classical music that is progressively filtered. The sound is delivered via regular headphones. ILS also provides voice feedback tasks that require the user to plug a set of air- and bone-conduction headphones equipped with a microphone to the app. In total, the ILS offers several programs: a 10-hour calming program, a 60-hour sensorimotor program, a 40-hour attention/concentration program, a 40-hour reading and auditory processing program, and two 24-hour optimal performance programs.

What is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) by ILS?

The SSP was created by Dr. Porges. It is based on the Polyvagal Theory and is designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing through filtered music. It claims to act as an acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, which is intended to shift the nervous system into a state of social engagement. It consists of three 5-hour sessions of music. Each program contains one playlist for adults and one for children. The music is filtered with a regular band-pass filter.

The first program (SSP Connect) does not contain any filters, while the second program (SSP Core) contains a filter which progressively opens to low and high frequencies. The last program (SSP Balance) consists of lightly filtered music without progression. The programs cannot be modified or individualized.

What are the Benefits of ILS?

In the same manner we train our muscles to get stronger and fitter, the ILS sound therapy program trains our brain to enhance neuroplasticity. To do so, music has been filtered to focus on certain frequencies that are correlated with specific brain functions. On top of the auditory component, the user can also engage in language and motor exercises, which gradually become more complex to strengthen their skills.

The ILS program is a progressive sound therapy that has been designed to help the brain to process sensory, cognitive, and emotional information more effectively. It has been used to treat people with sensory challenges, anxiety, learning disorders, and attention difficulties.

Where is ILS Coming From?

The Integrated Listening Systems was founded in 2007 by Dr. Ron Minson and Dr. Kate O’Brian Minson in Denver, Colorado. Interestingly, Dr. Ron Minson was trained by Dr. A. Tomatis. They focused on adapting auditory integration training by combining movement and sound therapies into a unique therapy mix. The company is now part of Unyte Health.

While ILS foundations are based on the Tomatis Method, it does not provide sound contrasts through the patented dynamic filtering system that is the core concept of Tomatis and Soundsory.

What Does an ILS Session Look Like?

ILS programs offer a variety of listening sessions varying in length and frequency. Typical ILS programs are a total of 24 to 60 hours in length provided for a total of 3 to 5 hours per week. Each session is 30-60 minutes long. During part of the listening sessions, the user can be invited to perform specific movement and motor activities. Sessions may be longer for those with developmental issues and shorter for those who are working to build up their attention span.

Who Benefits the Most From ILS?

ILS can be used by people suffering from autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit difficulties, learning disorders, and other developmental conditions. It is also used to improve the performance of students, athletes, and professionals by increasing focus and motor coordination. ILS reports that users can potentially experience improvements in the following areas, depending on their adherence to instructions and the program they choose:

• Proprioception (body awareness)
• Cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and focus
• Reading skills
• Balance, specifically dynamic balance, which means your ability to keep your balance while moving
• Auditory and visual processing
• Emotion regulation, including but not limited to the ability to manage mood and carry oneself with confidence
• Gross (pertaining to big muscles) and fine motor coordination (pertaining to small muscles)

Please remember that ILS is not intended to be the sole treatment or management approach for any of these concerns. It can be used alongside other interventions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Where Can ILS be Practiced and Who Delivers it?

The Integrated Listening Systems program can be delivered by trained psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or speech specialists. It can also be provided by trained social workers and many other certified therapists. At one point there were between 1,500 and 2,000 providers offering the ILS program globally, with most of them based in the US and Canada. However, it is unclear how many providers are currently certified.

Traditionally, ILS programs are delivered by trained practitioners in a clinic environment. Nowadays, some ILS programs offer the option to be supervised and provided at home. It is also possible to combine these two options based on your preferences, availability, and schedule. For home users, equipment can be rented from providers for an average price of USD $150 per month. Several months of use are typically required.

When your child uses an Integrated Listening System program or other sound therapies, you will need to take your child to a clinic. If the program is used at home, you will be able to accompany your child during the duration of the program but should take this into account when preparing your schedule.

What is the Equipment Needed for ILS?

The classical ILS equipment is a mobile application that provides multiple playlists of filtered music programs. The application provides the Safe and Sound Protocol, which consists of 3 programs of 5 hours each. ILS also provides the other programs mentioned earlier in the article. In terms of equipment, you will receive the hardware kit with bone and air conduction headphones, access to the app, and the integration kit (complete with a balance board, bean bags, balls, and more).

ILS also developed the DreamPad®, which is a classic pillow with bone conduction transducers placed in the middle of the synthetic feathers. This is separate from the ILS equipment, but many people who participate in ILS choose to use it since it pairs well. This product is available for USD $149, and the app is not included.

How Much Does ILS Cost to End Users?

The cost of an ILS program in a clinic includes access to the application as well as the support and supervision from a trained ILS professional. It can vary depending on practices and countries, but it is likely to cost between USD $120 and $150 per session, meaning around USD $400 per month and USD $2,000 for the full program. These figures are correct as of October 2026 and are subject to change at any time. Be sure to verify costs before purchasing.

To find a certified ILS professional, a provider locator is available on the ILS website. However, numbers are limited. Only 1,000 to 1,500 certified practitioners are recorded worldwide, mostly located in the US and Canada. A home alternative or complementary program is available but requires the supervision of a professional, and therefore costs related to this home coaching option are to be expected.

Does ILS Work, and What are the Side Effects?

Research studies do support the use of sound therapy in general for various health concerns such as auditory sensitivity, ADHD, and trauma. The Integrated Listening System claims to have positive outcomes for some of these same applications, such as autism, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and traumatic brain injury. There are no scientific studies or evidence supporting those claims, but there are several paid case studies and reviews that are available online.

The online literature also points out limited side effects thanks to the music, which is gentle, and the daily length of the program, which is kept quite short. Therefore, overstimulation is limited.

Are There Any Alternatives to ILS?

ILS programs typically require time and effort to travel to a clinic to visit your practitioner, which might be a source of stress and anxiety for the user, especially with children who have autism. They also end up being costly. Fortunately, there are other easy-to-use sound therapy programs available in the comfort and security of your own home, such as Soundsory®, the Tomatis® method, or Forbrain®, which can either complement or replace other ILS programs.

Soundsory®

Soundsory® is an auditory stimulation program that can easily be purchased online. It is a 40-day program that consists of 30 minutes of daily music listening with free exercises available. The program is divided into two sessions of 20 days each with a 2-4 week break in-between.

Similar to ILS, Soundsory uses a multi-sensory approach to stimulate the vestibular and auditory systems simultaneously through the patented dynamic filtering system. It is comprised of music listening and body movement exercises. Soundsory® can be used individually or as a complement to other sound therapies. Additionally, the Soundsory® program can be done simultaneously with other interventions (e.g. tutoring, ABA, counselling). As of October 15, 2026, the program costs $269.00.

Forbrain

Forbrain® is also based on the principle of the Tomatis® method but focuses on the user’s voice, which is captured via a microphone and then filtered and directly retransmitted to the ears, challenging the brain in a sensory workout. It is particularly intended to improve language and increase attention. Used in addition to Soundsory®, Forbrain® provides a complete sensory workout. As of October 15, 2026, the program costs $269.00.

Tomatis® Method

The Tomatis® Method is the original auditory program developed by the French Doctor and Researcher, Alfred Tomatis. The method is backed-up by more than 100 studies showing positive effects, some have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. It consists in providing filtered music and voice feedback via a proprietary dynamic filter. All parameters, such as dynamic filters or air and bone sound conductions can be individualised for each user.

The Tomatis® Method is delivered by certified professionals in dedicated Tomatis® centers. The Tomatis Equipment consists of a professional device called Talks-Up and specific air and bone conduction headphones called INFINITE which include follow up programs and several settings. As of October 15, 2026, the program costs $990.00.

Here is a summary of the main alternatives to ILS:

	Integrated Listening Systems	Soundsory	Forbrain	Tomatis method
Technological Concept	Combines music and language stimulation. No patented dynamic filter, but a regular band-pass filter.	Combines music and movement stimulation. Based on the same principle as the Tomatis method	User’s voice stimulation only. Based on the same principles as the Tomatis method	Combines music and voice stimulation. Patented technology with high-quality air and bone conduction headphones
Context of Use	At home by user or in clinic	At home by user	At home by user	In a Tomatis center by trained practitioners or at home with the supervision of a trained practitioner
Session schedule	Typically, 30 minutes, 2-5 times per week. The program has 10-20 sessions.	30 minutes a day for 40 days, divided into 2 sessions of 20 days each, with a break of 2-4 weeks in between	20 minutes a day for a minimum of 6 weeks	A first 90-minute assessment is done, then 80 minutes daily for 12 days, repeated 2-3 times with a break of 4-6 weeks between each session
Professional training/Certification	Professionals must get certified to provide sessions	Referral program for professionals	Affiliation program for Professionals who recommend Forbrain	Deep training with 4 levels of certifications
Pros	✅Can be used at home or in clinic with providers. ✅Addresses both cognitive and physical function.	✅Can be used at home, alone or in combination with other therapies. ✅Easy to implement and easy to use. ✅More affordable than clinic-run programs. ✅Mixing auditory, language, and movement. Includes an online exercises program	✅Can be used at home and complement speech and occupational treatment plan. ✅Easy to implement and easy to use in both clinical treatment and at-home. ✅More affordable than clinic-run programs	✅Mixing auditory, language, and movement. ✅Individualized follow-up
Cons	❌Relatively costly. ❌Requires going to a clinic or having a practitioner come to your home for supervision. ❌No individualization based on client profile. Does not offer customization.	❌Does not necessarily include follow-up by a practitioner	❌Focused on language and attention deficits only	❌Relatively costly

Conclusion

The combination of auditory, language, and movement activities offered by ILS programs allows one to retrain the brain to sensory stimuli. However, such programs can end up being costly and are not broadly accessible. It is also not backed-up by scientific studies. To address these issues, there are robust and reliable alternatives that do not require you to find a qualified professional.  They can be conveniently used in the comfort of your home, such as the Soundsory® system. If you require the expertise of a professional, the Tomatis Method® is also a good alternative as the technology is unique and validated by many studies.

References

1. Porges, S. W. (2022). Polyvagal theory: A science of safety. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 16, 871227. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2022.871227 
2. Kawai, H., Kishimoto, M., Okahisa, Y., Sakamoto, S., Terada, S., & Takaki, M. (2023). Initial outcomes of the Safe and Sound Protocol on patients with adult autism spectrum disorder: Exploratory pilot study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6), 4862. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064862 
3. Shaffer, J. (2016). Neuroplasticity and clinical practice: Building brain power for health. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 1118. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01118 
4. Vincent, V., Skaczkowski, G., Hughes-Barton, D., & Gunn, K. M. (2025). Effectiveness of sound-based interventions for improving functional outcomes in children: A systematic review of the evidence. Occupational Therapy International, 1693722. https://doi.org/10.1155/oti/1693722
5. Martin-Moratinos, M., Bella-Fernández, M., & Blasco-Fontecilla, H. (2023). Effects of music on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and potential application in serious video games: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e37742. https://doi.org/10.2196/37742 
6. Saskovets, M., Saponkova, I., & Liang, Z. (2025). Effects of sound interventions on the mental stress response in adults: Scoping review. JMIR Mental Health, 12, e69120. https://doi.org/10.2196/69120