Remember way back when we used to refer to audiobooks as “books on tape”? With the advent of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the standard, and rightly so. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, transforming the experience of reading into one of listening.
Take a modern approach to reading with audiobooks
An audiobook lets you “read” a book by listening to it. It’s essentially like someone is narrating the book for you. This format provides an immersive way to investigate new concepts, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice designed to help an individual perceive and better understand audio information. For people adapting to using hearing aids, this type of training can be particularly helpful. For somebody who has neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
Consequently, new sounds can at first seem overwhelming when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, improving sound processing capabilities. It’s also beneficial for those with language learning challenges or auditory processing disorders. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you comprehend what you hear.
How do audiobooks help with auditory training?
Listening to audiobooks can substantially aid in auditory training through various mechanisms:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks can help increase your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. When someone is trying to adjust to a new pair of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be very helpful.
- Pronunciation Practice: For individuals with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in comprehending spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to improve comprehension. This practice helps in fine-tuning your ability to understand spoken words.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists frequently suggest the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. This dual approach strengthens the connection between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
How to access audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks available on streaming services such as Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Additionally, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, whether you’re at home or out and about.
Podcasts also provide 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 guarantees a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks straight to your hearing aids.
Talk to your hearing specialist
Scheduling a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training routine. They can offer individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Reach out to us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.