In the past, we called them “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic nowadays. With the advent of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the norm, and rightly so. Audiobooks allow you to enjoy literature while on the go without needing 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. Essentially, it’s comparable to having someone narrate the book to you. This format offers an immersive way to investigate new ideas, get lost in exciting stories, or acquire new knowledge. Audiobooks can also serve as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
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. For someone who is coping with neglected hearing loss, living in a quieter environment becomes the norm.
When new sounds are initially introduced, they can seem overwhelming as a result.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adjust to new sound inputs. It’s also beneficial for people with language learning difficulties or auditory processing disorders. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How audiobooks assist auditory training
Listening to audiobooks can substantially aid in auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not simply hearing words. Audiobooks can help enhance your ability to follow everyday conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can often become rusty after a period of social isolation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance overall communication effectiveness.
- Enhanced Focus: When individuals listen to audiobooks, their attention is engaged for longer time periods. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can expand your vocabulary by exposing you to a diversified range of words.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks provide real-time practice in comprehending spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to improve comprehension. Your ability to understand spoken words can be refined by this practice.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For optimal results, hearing specialists often recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. For new audio inputs, the adjustment process could be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. The auditory training experience will be improved by using audiobooks, making them an ideal complement to hearing aids.
How to access audiobooks
Today, audiobooks are more accessible 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 convenience of smartphones.
If you’re struggling to find a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on a variety of subjects. They can also be a practical way to improve your hearing while keeping your mind engaged.
How to connect audiobooks to hearing aids
Many modern hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing them to pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature eliminates the need for separate headphones, letting you listen to audiobooks directly through your hearing aids, guaranteeing a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
If you’re considering introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good idea to talk to your hearing specialist. They can offer personalized advice and help you make the most of this resource to enhance your auditory skills.
Give us a call today and let us help you be more successful with your auditory training.
