In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic today. Today we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the common term. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, transforming the experience of reading into one of listening.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
An audiobook allows you to “read” a book by listening to it. It’s essentially like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format offers an immersive way to explore new concepts, get lost in exciting stories, or gain new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice designed to help an individual perceive and better comprehend audio information. For individuals adapting to wearing hearing aids, this type of training can be particularly helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overwhelming as a result.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. For people who have auditory processing problems or language learning difficulties, auditory training can also be very helpful. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
There are a number of ways in which audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is especially useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse range of words through audiobooks can improve your vocabulary.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in understanding spoken words. Unlike audiobooks, with daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and replay what was said. This practice helps in refining your ability to comprehend spoken words.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help improve your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
- Pronunciation Practice: For people with hearing loss, social isolation can sometimes result in rusty communication skills. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can improve overall communication effectiveness.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists frequently suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. This dual approach reinforces the link between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. The auditory training process will be improved by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
Where to find audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks wherever you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
Podcasts also present a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a particular audiobook you want to listen to. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Many contemporary hearing aids come furnished with Bluetooth technology, allowing them to pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature eliminates the need for separate headphones, allowing you to listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Talk to your hearing specialist
If you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training regimen, it’s a good idea to consult with your hearing specialist. They can offer individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.
