In the past, we referred to them as “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic today. Nowadays we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the familiar term. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without having to sit down and actually read.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you don’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. It’s essentially like someone is narrating the book for you. This format provides an immersive way to investigate new ideas, get lost in captivating stories, or acquire new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at enhancing your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. This training becomes especially useful for people who use hearing aids. For someone who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
As a result, new sounds can initially seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adapt to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. It’s also advantageous for individuals who have language learning challenges or auditory processing conditions. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer periods of time. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adjusting to new hearing aids.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social isolation. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks challenge your brain to associate words with concepts, which can enhance your ability to follow conversations in daily settings.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in comprehending spoken words. Unlike audiobooks, with daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and replay what was said. Your ability to understand spoken words can be refined by this practice.
Optimizing audiobooks as auditory tools
Hearing specialists frequently recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. The auditory training experience will be improved by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
Where to obtain audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide array of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Moreover, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or on the go.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts provide a similar auditory experience on an assortment of subjects. They can also be a practical way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many types of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless connection to your phone. This feature eliminates the need for separate headphones, letting you listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training routine. They can provide individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.
