Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? With the introduction of CDs and, more recently, digital streaming, the term “audiobook” has become the norm, and rightly so. Audiobooks offer a modern, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a contemporary approach to reading
With audiobooks, you won’t need to actually read a book, you can simply 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 gain new knowledge. Beyond being a pleasurable pastime, audiobooks can also serve a more functional purpose: auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice focused on improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. For individuals adapting to using hearing aids, this kind of training can be particularly helpful. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain progressively becomes used to a quieter environment.
As a result, new sounds can at first seem overpowering 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 with language learning difficulties or auditory processing conditions. Auditory training both clarifies what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
There are several ways that audiobooks can help with auditory training:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken words requires content comprehension not just hearing words. Audiobooks can help improve your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to associate words with concepts.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and involvement. 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 diverse range of words.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in understanding spoken words. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to develop comprehension. Your ability to comprehend spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social isolation. Listening to audiobooks helps with the pronunciation of words, which can enhance overall communication effectiveness.
Making the most of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists frequently recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for best results. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process could be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are an effective complement to hearing aids, improving the auditory training experience.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than it ever has been to gain access to audiobooks. Subscriptions to services such as Audible and purchases from websites like Amazon make it easy to access a wide range of titles. Moreover, with the convenience of smartphones, you can listen to audiobooks anywhere, whether you’re at home or out and about.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts provide a similar auditory experience on an assortment of topics. They can also be a great way to enhance your hearing while keeping your mind involved.
Connecting your hearing aids to audiobooks
Many modern hearing aids come furnished with Bluetooth technology, allowing them to pair directly with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This feature gets rid of the need for separate headphones, allowing you to 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
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re considering incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can provide personalized 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.