Remember way back when we used to call audiobooks “books on tape”? Nowadays we have digital streaming services and the term “audiobooks” has become the familiar term. Audiobooks offer a contemporary, convenient way to enjoy literature, turning the experience of reading into one of listening.
Audiobooks: a contemporary approach to reading
An audiobook allows you to “read” a book by listening to it. Essentially, it’s comparable to having someone narrate the book to you. You can use this format to acquire new knowledge, become absorbed in enchanting stories, and explore new concepts. 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 individuals who use hearing aids. When someone experiences untreated hearing loss, their brain gradually becomes used to a quieter environment.
As a result, new sounds can at first seem overpowering when hearing aids are introduced.
Auditory training increases a person’s ability to process sound by helping the brain adapt to new sound inputs. For individuals who have auditory processing difficulties or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be very helpful. Auditory training both sharpens 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 speech requires more than simply hearing the words; it requires comprehension of the content. Audiobooks can help improve your ability to follow day-to-day conversations by forcing your brain to link words with concepts.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. When someone is attempting to adjust to a new set of hearing aids, becoming reacquainted with sustained listening by using audiobooks can be really helpful.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Exposure to a diverse range of words through audiobooks can enrich your vocabulary.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks are a great way for an individual to practice comprehending spoken language. Unlike spontaneous conversations, you can rewind and play back sections to improve comprehension. Your ability to comprehend spoken words can be refined by this practice.
- 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 improve overall communication effectiveness.
Maximizing audiobooks as auditory tools
For optimal results, hearing specialists usually recommend pairing audiobooks with a physical copy of the book. This dual strategy reinforces the link between spoken and written language, potentially accelerating the adaptation process for new auditory inputs. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training experience.
How to access audiobooks
Nowadays, audiobooks are more available than ever. There is a wide variety of audiobooks obtainable on streaming services like Audible and other platforms like Amazon. Moreover, with the convenience of cell phones, you can listen to audiobooks wherever you are, whether you’re at home or out and about.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable audiobook, podcasts offer a similar auditory experience on a variety of subjects. They are also a great way to engage your mind while enhancing your hearing.
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, ensuring a seamless and high-quality auditory experience.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to begin
Setting up a consultation with your hearing specialist is the first step if you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks into your auditory training program. They can provide individualized advice and help you make the most of this resource to improve your auditory skills.
Contact us today to explore how audiobooks can assist your hearing journey.
