In the past, we called them “books-on-tape,” a term that feels almost archaic today. 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 having to sit down and actually read.
Audiobooks: a contemporary approach to reading
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. You can use this format to gain new knowledge, become immersed in captivating stories, and explore new ideas. Audiobooks can also function as a source of auditory training.
What is auditory training?
You might be wondering, “What exactly is auditory training”? It’s a specialized practice aimed at improving your ability to process, perceive, and interpret auditory information. This training becomes particularly useful for individuals using hearing aids. For somebody who is coping with 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, enhancing sound processing capabilities. For people who have auditory processing problems or language learning challenges, auditory training can also be really helpful. Auditory training both sharpens what you’re hearing and helps you have better comprehension.
How do audiobooks assist with auditory training?
Engaging with audiobooks can substantially help with auditory training through a variety of mechanisms:
- Pronunciation Practice: Communication skills can frequently become rusty after a period of social separation. Communication will be more successful after listening to audiobooks because they help with pronunciation.
- Enhanced Focus: Audiobooks encourage longer periods of attention and engagement. They can help reacquaint you with sustained listening, which is particularly useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Audiobooks can broaden your vocabulary by exposing you to a diverse range of words.
- Speech Perception: Audiobooks supply real-time practice in understanding spoken language. Unlike audiobooks, with daily conversation, you don’t have the ability to rewind and re-listen to what was said. Your ability to understand spoken words can be fine-tuned by this practice.
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding speech requires more than just 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 associate words with concepts.
Getting the most out of audiobooks as an auditory tool
Hearing specialists frequently recommend the pairing of an audiobook with a physical copy for maximum results. For new audio inputs, the adaptation process could be accelerated by this relationship between written and spoken words. Audiobooks are a valuable complement to hearing aids, enhancing the auditory training process.
How to access audiobooks
It’s easier than ever before to access audiobooks. Subscriptions to services like Audible and purchases from platforms like Amazon make it easy to access a wide range of titles. Also, listening to audiobooks anywhere you find yourself is made possible with the advantage of smartphones.
Podcasts also present a similar auditory experience if you can’t decide on a particular audiobook you want to listen to. They are also a great way to engage your mind while improving your hearing.
Linking your hearing aids to audiobooks
Bluetooth connectivity is a fairly common feature on many models of hearing aids nowadays 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 straight to your hearing aids.
Your hearing specialist is the first place to start
If you’re thinking about incorporating audiobooks into your auditory training program, it’s a good idea to consult with your hearing specialist. They can offer 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.