Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “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 modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, transforming the experience of reading into one of listening.
Take a contemporary approach to reading with audiobooks
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can just listen to it. It’s basically like somebody is narrating the book for you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new concepts, get lost in captivating stories, or gain new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more practical purpose: auditory training.
Auditory training – exactly what is it?
So what exactly is “auditory training”? Auditory training is a practice designed to help a person perceive and better understand audio information. This training becomes especially useful for people who use hearing aids. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes accustomed to a quieter environment.
When new sounds are first introduced, they can seem overpowering as a result.
Auditory training helps the brain adjust to these new auditory inputs, enhancing sound processing capabilities. For individuals who have auditory processing problems or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be really helpful. Rather than simply clarifying hearing, auditory training helps you make sense of what you hear.
How audiobooks facilitate auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can substantially aid in auditory training through a variety of 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 adapting to new hearing aids.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech entails more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help increase your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Pronunciation Practice: For those with hearing loss, social separation can sometimes lead to rusty communication skills. Communication will be more effective after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in understanding spoken language. 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.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
For optimal results, hearing specialists usually suggest pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process may be accelerated by this connection between written and spoken words. The auditory training process will be enhanced by using audiobooks, making them a valuable complement to hearing aids.
Where to obtain audiobooks
It’s easier than it ever has been to access audiobooks. There is a wide variety of audiobooks available on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
Podcasts also provide a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a specific audiobook you want to listen to. They are also a great way to engage your mind while improving your hearing.
How to link audiobooks to hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many types of hearing aids these days which allows them to have a wireless link to your phone. This feature ensures a high-quality, seamless auditory experience by allowing you to stream audiobooks directly to your hearing aids.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
If you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good plan to consult with your hearing specialist. They can offer personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.
Call us today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.