“It Was Like He Woke Up After a Deep Sleep” – A Father’s Story About His Son’s Breakthrough
When Matthew and his 6-year-old son Leo began their journey to uncover the cause of Leo’s speech difficulties, they had already seen everyone. Speech therapists, psychologists, neurologists, ENT specialists—even a gastroenterologist. Yet after all the consultations, testing, and professional opinions, they still had no clear answers.
Leo could barely form words. His speech sounded more like animalistic vocalizations than language, and despite showing a strong desire to communicate, he simply couldn’t express himself verbally. His hearing was clinically “perfect,” and yet he didn’t seem to process spoken language. His behavior became more physical, more intense – his frustration unspoken but palpable.
Then, by chance, Matthew discovered a different perspective.
After assessments with Beata Fazekas Intelisten Expert, it became clear: Leo had hyperacusis—extremely sensitive hearing—and possibly even clairaudient tendencies. In Matthew’s words, “He could hear almost everything—even the electric current running inside the walls. Sounds echoed in his head like a ringing bell. It was just too much.”
Leo’s brain was overwhelmed with information. He couldn’t filter what mattered from what didn’t. The end of words echoed in his mind, making speech comprehension nearly impossible. What he needed wasn’t more speech therapy – but a way to retrain his auditory processing.
And so they began Intelisten training. With carefully adapted music – modified to omit or emphasize specific frequencies—Leo’s brain was gently taught how to sort useful sounds from noise.
The family started during the summer break to give Leo time and space at home. After an initial adjustment period, something miraculous happened.
“It was like our son woke up from a deep sleep.”
Suddenly, he understood words—and he began to speak. Only then could the speech therapist truly begin meaningful work with him. Though the road was still long—Leo had six years of language to catch up on—he made extraordinary progress.
Today, Leo is 11. He reads, recites poetry, and attends a bilingual school. While some pronunciation remains unique, every sound is now present. And as Matthew proudly says, “He’s only been learning Hungarian for five years.”
Despite professionals once suggesting autism or intellectual delay, Matthew and his family always knew: Leo wasn’t broken. He was simply overwhelmed by a world that was too loud, too detailed, too unfiltered.
“If we hadn’t found Beata, he’d probably be in a special school – and we wouldn’t be having real conversations with our son today.”
Matthew shares their story not only out of deep gratitude, but also to spread awareness: overhearing is real, and there is help – without medication or surgery.
💬 Sometimes, what looks like silence is actually someone drowning in sound.
👉 If your child struggles with speech, attention, or sensory overload—take our free online assessment. Relief might be closer than you think.
Struggling with sound sensitivity – whether as a parent or in your own daily life?
If certain noises feel overwhelming, or you find yourself drained in everyday environments, hypersensitive hearing might be the hidden cause. The good news? Relief often begins with a simple step.
Start by uncovering the root of the problem. Our free online assessment is quick, obligation-free, and could be the first step toward making daily life easier – for you, your child and your family.
🎧 For children or adults, our simple, enjoyable music-based training could significantly ease noise-related stress and help restore a sense of calm, clarity, and control. 🎶
Knowing what’s behind the challenges can be the turning point – and it makes all the difference.
You can start here ➡️
